Osimhen reacts to surprise substitution after Gala collapse

Victor Osimhen of Galatasaray. EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU

Monday Sep 30, 2024. 15:00

Nigerian superstar Victor Osimhen has opened up about his surprise substitution which led to Galatasaray dropping points against Kasimpasa on Saturday.

The world-class striker was substituted at half-time having scored his first two goals for Galatasaray who were 3-0 up at the time at the Ali Sami Yen Spor Kompleksi RAMS Park.

Galatasaray conceded three times in the second-half and the Turkish Super Lig encounter ended on a 3-3 stalemate as the champions let a three-goal lead slip.

Osimhen, who is on loan from Italian side SSC Napoli, has now stated that he was substituted due to a minor injury which should ease Nigeria interim coach Augustine Eguavoen’s concerns.

“I do not have a serious injury. I felt a little discomfort. I thought I should tell my coach,” Osimhen said on Galatasaray’s official website.

“If I reduced the team, it would be bad. I did not want my other teammates’ performance to decrease. I told Mauro and the coach. That is why I left the game.”

The 25-year-old is expected to be included in the Nigeria squad that will face Libya in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers next month.