{
  "id": 9440644,
  "title": "Gala confirm October 9 Osimhen return date",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/gala-confirm-october-9-osimhen-return-date-9440644",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-23T23:46:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/gala-confirm-october-9-osimhen-return-date/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Victor Osimhen, the striker for Turkish club Galatasaray, is set to return to action for his team in a Super Lig match against Kasimpasa on October 9. This news comes from Turkish sports daily Fanatik, which reports that Osimhen's return is based on his progress through Galatasaray's medical rehabilitation program for a groin injury. The Nigeria Football Federation and the Turkish club had agreed that Osimhen should withdraw from the squad to focus on his recovery, with the Istanbul club's medical team advising against international duty.\n\nOsimhen, who was initially included in Eric Chelle's squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, has missed several matches for Galatasaray due to his injury. These include the club's Champions League opener against Sporting Lisbon and subsequent Super Lig games against Kocaelispor and Trabzonspor. The injury is described as a moderate to advanced strain with bleeding in the right groin area.\n\nGalatasaray confirmed the severity of Osimhen's injury, noting that he has been absent from key matches for the club. The Kasimpasa game at the RAMS Park Stadium will mark a significant moment for Nigerian fans, as Osimhen will return to Galatasaray's colors for the first time since his injury. This match also serves as a warm-up for the club's upcoming Champions League clash with Barcelona, set to take place four days later at the same venue.\n\nFormer Napoli striker Osimhen had been in impressive form before his injury, scoring six goals and providing two assists in Galatasaray's opening four Super Lig matches of the season. However, his absence has left a noticeable gap in the team's attack, prompting criticism from Turkish football pundit Sinan Engin after Galatasaray's defeat against Sporting Lisbon. The decision to field Baris Alper Yilmaz and Rafael Leao in Osimhen's place has drawn further criticism, as both players have struggled to fill the void left by the injured striker.",
  "summary": "Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is set to return from a groin injury for Galatasaray in their Super Lig fixture against Kasimpasa on October 9. Read More: https://punchng.com/gala-confirm-october-9-osimhen-return-date/",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "Gala confirm October 9 Osimhen return date",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/gala-confirm-october-9-osimhen-return-date",
        "published": "2026-09-23T23:44:40.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}