Galatasaray’s Süper Lig title defence suffered another blow on Sunday, 13 April 2026, when the Istanbul club were held to a 1-1 draw by Kocaelispor at Rams Park — a result that has intensified scrutiny over the team’s ability to cope without their Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen.
The draw marked the latest in a troubling run of results for the league leaders. Since Osimhen sustained his forearm injury, Galatasaray have dropped five points across their last three matches — a worrying sequence for a side that entered this period as strong title favourites.
Speaking to reporters after the final whistle, a visibly frustrated manager Okan Buruk made no attempt to conceal the significance of the striker’s absence. “Osimhen’s absence is difficult for us,” Buruk said. “The game with Osimhen is always important and valuable for us.”
Osimhen, who represents Nigeria internationally with the Super Eagles, was unavailable for selection against Kocaelispor due to the forearm problem. His physical presence in the penalty area — a recurring feature of Galatasaray’s attacking play throughout the season — was noticeably absent as the hosts struggled to break down their opponents and secure what had been widely anticipated as a straightforward home victory.
According to Pulse Sports, Osimhen has returned to training with the squad under a specialised recovery programme designed to accelerate his return to match fitness, though he has not yet been cleared to feature in a competitive fixture.
Galatasaray are reportedly targeting the striker’s return for their upcoming league fixture against Gençlerbirliği. More significantly, Osimhen is expected to be available to lead the attack in the high-stakes Istanbul derby against fierce rivals Fenerbahçe, scheduled for 26 April 2026 — a fixture that could prove decisive in determining the destination of this season’s Süper Lig title.
The timing of the injury is particularly damaging given the competitive context. Galatasaray entered April as the team best placed to secure the championship, but successive dropped points have allowed their rivals to remain within reach. The derby against Fenerbahçe now carries even greater weight, with Osimhen’s fitness likely to be the defining factor in Galatasaray’s preparations.
The 26-year-old joined Galatasaray on a season-long loan from Napoli ahead of the 2024-25 campaign, having previously excelled in Serie A where he established himself as one of the continent’s most dangerous forwards. His impact in Turkey has followed a similar trajectory, making his current absence one of the most discussed topics in Turkish football circles, with local pundits describing his unavailability as a blow not only to Galatasaray but to the broader appeal of the Süper Lig.
