{"id":122119,"date":"2025-09-09T19:43:31","date_gmt":"2025-09-09T18:43:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/?p=122119"},"modified":"2025-09-09T19:43:31","modified_gmt":"2025-09-09T18:43:31","slug":"were-always-afraid-to-send-osimhen-on-nigeria-duty-gala-coach-rues-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pointblanknews.com\/pbn\/news\/were-always-afraid-to-send-osimhen-on-nigeria-duty-gala-coach-rues-injury\/","title":{"rendered":"We\u2019re Always Afraid to Send Osimhen on Nigeria Duty, Gala Coach Rues Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"
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By Oscar Okhifo<\/div>\n
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Galatasaray head coach, Okan Buruk, has expressed deep concern over the recurring risks his star striker, Victor Osimhen, faces whenever he joins up with the Nigerian national team.<\/div>\n
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Buruk, speaking on Now Spor, said he is \u201calways afraid\u201d each time the Super Eagles invite Osimhen for international duty. His fears were confirmed at the weekend when the forward picked up an injury in Nigeria\u2019s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.<\/div>\n
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\u201cI was at dinner when the waiter came to me with a phone in his hand. We reached Osimhen and the information we received was that he has pain in his foot,\u201d the coach explained.<\/div>\n
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The former Napoli man was substituted after just 32 minutes, with medical checks later confirming he suffered shin bone edema. The injury ruled him out of Nigeria\u2019s crucial tie against South Africa.<\/div>\n
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Buruk admitted Galatasaray is keen to fly the striker back to Turkey for urgent treatment, even arranging a private jet to ensure his swift return.<\/div>\n
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\u201cIf there is a problem with Osimhen, we want to send a plane immediately and bring him back. He is in pain and will not be able to play in the match in two days. It is a shame for us,\u201d the coach lamented.<\/div>\n
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The development comes as a huge blow to both Nigeria and Galatasaray.<\/div>\n
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\u00a0While the Super Eagles must now do without their talisman against South Africa, the Turkish giants are also anxiously waiting to assess the extent of the damage as they continue their domestic and European campaigns.<\/div>\n
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Nonetheless, it is expected that the Super Eagles will stay superb today, even as the epic Osimhen won\u2019t be on the field of play. May his total recovering be faster than his feet while in action.<\/div>\n
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