Galatasaray Send Physiotherapist to Nigeria to Oversee Osimhen’s Recovery

Galatasaray have sent a physiotherapist to Nigeria to personally oversee Victor Osimhen’s rehabilitation, with the Turkish club also monitoring the striker’s daily recovery sessions through video from Istanbul.

Osimhen, who is recovering from a muscle injury, was granted permission by Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk to return to Nigeria during the international break after requesting to spend the period in his home country.

But his return has not meant a break from Galatasaray’s rehabilitation programme.

According to Turkish outlet NTV Spor, the club has dispatched a physiotherapist to accompany Osimhen in Nigeria and ensure that he follows the recovery programme prescribed by the Galatasaray medical team.

A second physiotherapist has also reportedly travelled with Gabon international Mario Lemina, who was given similar permission to return home while recovering from injury.

The physiotherapists will supervise the players’ daily rehabilitation work, while Galatasaray’s medical and technical staff will monitor their sessions remotely through videos sent from Nigeria and Gabon.

The arrangement allows Osimhen to spend time with his family during the international break without being separated from the club’s medical supervision.

Buruk reportedly approved the players’ requests in a bid to support their morale, but Galatasaray have maintained close control of their recovery programmes despite allowing them to travel.

Osimhen’s rehabilitation has attracted particular attention in Nigeria after Galatasaray informed Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle that the striker would not be ready for the country’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The 27-year-old missed Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday and will also sit out Tuesday’s clash with Guinea-Bissau in Bissau.

Taiwo Awoniyi was drafted into the Super Eagles squad as Osimhen’s replacement and featured in the opening qualifier.