Galatasaray Fans Fume as Osimhen Misses UCL Opener

Galatasaray fans have expressed outrage and disappointment after the Turkish giants confirmed that their €75 million Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, will miss Thursday’s UEFA Champions League opener against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The club released its official 23-man squad list on Wednesday, with Osimhen’s name conspicuously absent, a revelation that immediately set off a storm of anger across social media platforms.

Fans Accuse Club of “Lying” About Injury

Osimhen, 26, was initially expected to recover in time for the clash, with the club previously hinting at a positive update on his fitness. However, his omission has led many fans to accuse Galatasaray of misleading supporters about the true state of the Nigerian forward’s injury.

“How can Victor not be in the squad? So, did the club lie to Gala fans and the world about his injury? The management must explain this! What happened to Osimhen?” one angry fan demanded on X (formerly Twitter).

Another supporter went even further, venting their frustration: “Where is Osimhen, you bastards, wipe Rwanda off the map,” reflecting the emotional weight placed on the striker’s availability for this crucial fixture.

“Osimhen is really gone, you’ll lose your mind,” lamented a fan, capturing the despair of many who had been counting on seeing Galatasaray’s record signing in action.

The disappointment was amplified by the timing of the announcement, which came just 24 hours before the match, leaving little time for fans to process the news before the high-stakes European showdown.

Calls for Calm Amid the Outrage

Despite the outrage, a section of the Galatasaray faithful urged patience and understanding, insisting that protecting Osimhen’s long-term fitness is more important than rushing him back into action.

“Not risking Osimhen is the right decision. There’s nothing to be done. May God be our helper and supporter. We’re starting strong,” one fan wrote, backing the club’s decision.

Another added: “Osimhen is out; it makes a lot of sense not to risk him for the upcoming matches. Barış will probably make the most of these showcase matches after all this fuss.”

Osimhen had started the 2025/26 season brightly, scoring two goals in three games before picking up the injury during Nigeria’s international break. His absence leaves a major void in Galatasaray’s attack as they prepare to take on Frankfurt, who will be eager to exploit the Turkish champions’ weakened frontline.

A Blow to Galatasaray’s UCL Ambitions

The striker’s absence is a significant setback for Galatasaray, who see this season’s Champions League campaign as an opportunity to re-establish themselves among Europe’s elite clubs. Osimhen, signed in a blockbuster €75 million deal, was expected to be the focal point of their European challenge.

His dynamic style of play, goal-scoring instinct, and ability to lead the line have made him a fan favorite since his arrival, and his unavailability has raised questions about how coach Okan Buruk will set up his attack against Frankfurt.

Barış Alper Yılmaz and Mauro Icardi are now expected to shoulder the attacking responsibility in what promises to be a difficult night for the Lions.

While the club has not provided a detailed timeline for Osimhen’s return, reports suggest he could be back in action later this month if his rehabilitation continues smoothly.

For now, Galatasaray will have to rely on their depth and tactical flexibility as they aim to start their Champions League campaign on a positive note despite the absence of their biggest star.

The mixed reactions from fans underscore both the passion and pressure surrounding the club’s European ambitions, with every result set to be scrutinized more intensely until their record signing is back on the pitch.

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