UCL: Osimhen absent as Galatasaray unveils starting XI against Sporting
September 9, 2026 7:55 pm
File: Victor Osimhen
Super Eagles striker and Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen has been left out of Galatasaray’s starting XI for Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League clash against Sporting CP at the Estádio José Alvalade.
The Nigerian striker misses the match through injury, having suffered an adductor problem in Galatasaray’s recent league game against Başakşehir. He was also left out of the travelling squad for the fixture.
https://punchng.com/injured-osimhen-scores-in-galatasarays-3-2-win-over-istanbul-basaksehir/
Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has opted to start Barış Alper Yılmaz in attack, with Leroy Sané, Aleksey Batrakov and Yunus Akgün providing support.
Osimhen is not the only major absentee, with Mario Lemina and Wilfried Singo also ruled out through injury.
Galatasaray XI: Uğurcan Çakır; Roland Sallai, Davinson Sánchez, Ismail Jakobs, Eren Elmalı; Lucas Torreira, Gabriel Sara; Leroy Sané, Aleksey Batrakov, Yunus Akgün; Barış Alper Yılmaz.
PUNCH Online reported that Osimhen and Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu may miss Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month due to injuries.
https://punchng.com/afcon-qualifiers-osimhen-onuachu-compound-eagles-injury-worries/
Gilbert Ekugbe is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over a decade of experience reporting on business and economic affairs. He covers markets, corporate developments, finance, and Nigeria’s broader economic landscape. His reporting is informed by extensive newsroom experience and a strong commitment to accuracy and responsible journalism, helping readers understand complex business issues.
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