Victor Osimhen is set to feature in one of Turkish football’s most fiercely contested fixtures after being cleared to start for Galatasaray in Sunday’s Intercontinental Derby against Fenerbahce at RAMS Park, according to reports.
The Super Eagles forward had been absent for over a month following a right forearm fracture sustained during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League last-16 clash against Liverpool in March. He made his return to action wearing a custom-designed protective arm brace during Galatasaray’s Turkish Cup defeat to Gençlerbirliği on Wednesday, and has since been passed fit to start in the derby.
The build-up to the fixture was complicated by a formal complaint lodged by Fenerbahce with the Turkish Football Federation (TFF). The Istanbul club argued that the rigidity of Osimhen’s brace posed a potential safety risk to opposing players, citing IFAB safety regulations and submitting a detailed medical report in support of their objection.
However, the protest was dismissed. According to reports, the brace features a rigid inner layer that is fully covered by soft protective material, has been medically approved, and was cleared following consultations between football authorities and Galatasaray’s medical team. Galatasaray subsequently dismissed Fenerbahce’s complaint over the brace.
Sunday’s match carries significant title implications. Galatasaray currently lead the Süper Lig standings with 71 points after 30 matches, holding a four-point advantage over second-placed Fenerbahce, who have accumulated 67 points across the same number of games. A win for either side would have a direct bearing on the destination of the championship.
The two clubs drew 1-1 in their first Süper Lig meeting of the season in December, meaning Sunday’s encounter at RAMS Park represents an opportunity for one side to gain a decisive psychological and tactical edge in the title race.
Osimhen has been in productive form throughout the campaign, registering 19 goals in 30 appearances across all competitions for Galatasaray. The 26-year-old joined the Turkish giants on loan from Napoli at the start of the season after a proposed permanent move to the Saudi Pro League did not materialise, and he has since established himself as one of the most influential forwards in the Süper Lig.
With five fixtures remaining in the league season, Galatasaray will be looking to Osimhen’s presence and goal threat to help secure what would be a significant title triumph. Fenerbahce, managed by José Mourinho, will equally be eager to close the gap and keep their own championship ambitions alive heading into the final weeks of the campaign.
