Osimhen blow as Iheanacho, Usor knock on Chelle door

Victor Osimhen scored for Galatasaray, then limped off with a suspected muscle injury that could complicate Nigeria coach Eric Chelle’s plans.

Osimhen gave Galatasaray the lead against Istanbul Basaksehir in the 16th minute with a clinical finish, his sixth goal of the season. He left the field in the 33rd minute and was replaced by Baris Alper Yilmaz. Galatasaray eventually won 3-2 after a late free-kick from Gabriel Sara.

Istanbul Basaksehir twice drew level. Eldor Shomurodov converted a penalty in the 66th minute, and Davinson Sánchez later scored an own goal. Lucas Torreira restored Galatasaray’s lead in the 71st minute before Sara settled the match in the 90th.

Osimhen’s fitness is a concern for Chelle, who is already under pressure after Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Super Eagles are scheduled to host Madagascar on September 25 and travel to Guinea-Bissau on September 29 for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

While the extent of Osimhen’s injury remains to be assessed, Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Usor are pressing for places. Iheanacho scored twice in Bursaspor’s 4-0 win over Istanbulspor, taking his league tally to six goals and two assists in five matches. Usor has scored three goals and provided four assists in eight matches for LASK in all competitions. His goal and assist helped the Austrian club overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit against Celtic and win 5-1 after extra time. Both players face competition from established forwards including Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.