2026 WCQ: Galatasaray boss Okan Buruk voices concern over Osimhen’s safety

Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk has admitted that the club feel uneasy whenever striker Victor Osimhen leaves for international duty with Nigeria, citing the risks and conditions surrounding national team engagements.

Buruk made the comment ahead of Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying clash against Benin Republic on Tuesday evening.

“We get scared when he travels”

The Turkish manager acknowledged that Osimhen’s recent experiences, including an injury against Rwanda and a near-accident involving the Super Eagles’ plane after their win over Lesotho, have intensified the club’s anxiety.

“Well, we are starting to get scared when we send Osimhen to the national team, not just because his plane window might break,” Buruk told Habersarikirmizi.

“The matches are tough, the pitch conditions are poor, and each time we release him, we worry for his safety. Honestly, we’re always scared.”

“Thankfully, it was nothing serious”

Buruk said the club were relieved to learn that the incident involving the Super Eagles’ aircraft was not fatal.

“We finished the match this time, but there was a problem with the plane. We were a little scared when we saw the news, but thankfully, it wasn’t serious. He will play the second match and return,” he added.

Osimhen remains a key player for both Galatasaray and the Super Eagles as Nigeria continues its push toward qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.