Update on Osimhen’s fitness ahead of Super Eagles June friendlies
Super Eagles have received a timely boost ahead of their June friendlies after Galatasaray confirmed positive progress in the recovery of Victor Osimhen.
The striker has been sidelined since suffering a fractured forearm during a UEFA Champions League clash against Liverpool, following a collision with Ibrahima Konaté.
After undergoing surgery, Osimhen has now stepped up his rehabilitation, with the club confirming he has resumed on-field activity, including running drills under close supervision from medical staff.
Further reports indicate that Galatasaray’s technical and medical teams are accelerating his recovery programme, with a targeted return pencilled in for the high-profile derby against Fenerbahçe later this month.
Timely boost for Chelle
The development is significant for head coach Eric Chelle, who was without his key forward during the March international window.
![UCL: Gyokeres told he was 'barely visible' during Sporting vs Arsenal clash Viktor Gyokeres endured a frustrating return to Lisbon as Arsenal squeezed out a 1-0 win over Sporting CP in their Champions League quarter-final first leg, with the striker coming under heavy criticism from the Portuguese media. The Swedish forward, who previously starred for Sporting, was largely ineffective throughout the encounter at the Estadio Jose Alvalade. Despite a strong reception from home supporters, his performance failed to match expectations. Local outlet A Bola summed up his performance bluntly, stating: “The striker celebrates with a mask, [but] seemed masked: he was barely visible.” Other publications echoed similar sentiments, with O Jogo noting that Sporting “stifled” their former talisman, while Público described him as “largely absent from the game.” Gyokeres, who scored 97 goals in 102 appearances during his time in Portugal, managed just 17 touches and struggled to impose himself against a defence that appeared well-drilled in neutralising his strengths. Numbers speak to a difficult outing Statistically, his performance showed lack of impact. His only notable involvement came in the build-up to a disallowed goal for Martin Zubimendi, where he was flagged offside. A late effort on goal, comfortably handled by Rui Silva, summed up an underwhelming night for the forward, who was unable to replicate his usual clinical edge that led Arsenal to invest heavily in his signing. Substitutes changed the game With Gyokeres struggling to influence play, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta turned to his bench for inspiration. The introduction of Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz proved decisive. Havertz eventually delivered the breakthrough with a stoppage-time winner, sealing a narrow advantage for the Premier League side ahead of the second leg in London.](https://www.gistreel.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/InShot_20260408_124324008-220x124.jpg)
Nigeria are scheduled to face Portugal and Poland in June, fixtures that will serve as key preparation ahead of upcoming international competitions.
Osimhen’s expected return to full training during derby week suggests he could regain match fitness in time for both club and country commitments.
Osimhen remains central to club and country frontline
From a performance perspective, Osimhen remains central to Nigeria’s attack.
His absence was felt during recent outings, and his return restores a proven goal threat and tactical focal point in the final third.
Barring any setbacks, the striker is well on course to feature in the upcoming fixtures for Nigeria.