Says club always anxious whenever Nigerian striker joins Super Eagles Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has admitted that the Turkish Super Lig champions often feel uneasy whenever their star striker, Victor Osimhen, leaves to represent Nigeria, citing both injury risks and travel safety concerns. Buruk made the remark ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic scheduled for Tuesday evening. The Nigerian forward, who recently returned from an injury sustained during the World Cup qualifying match against Rwanda, also escaped a near-tragic incident after the Super Eagles’ plane reportedly developed a mid-air fault following their victory over Lesotho. Speaking to Turkish outlet Habersarikirmizi, Buruk said the club is constantly anxious whenever Osimhen goes on international duty. “We are starting to get scared when we send Osimhen to the national team, not just because his plane window might break,” he said. “Also, the toughness of the match, the bad pitches — every time we send him off, we are afraid for the players. We are always scared, actually.” The Galatasaray boss noted that the club’s concern goes beyond the recent air scare, stressing that the physical demands of African qualifiers and the poor state of some playing surfaces expose players to injuries. “We finished the match this time, but there was a problem with the plane. We were a little scared when we saw the news, but it’s nothing serious. He will play the second match and return,” Buruk added. Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray this season in a high-profile transfer, remains a key player for both club and country. His performances have continued to attract global attention, though his recurring injuries have become a major worry for both the Turkish champions and the Super Eagles coaching crew. As Nigeria continues its campaign for a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Osimhen’s health and availability are expected to play a decisive role in the team’s qualification hopes.
Galatasaray Coach Buruk Expresses Fear Over Osimhen’s Safety During National Duty
