Osimhen Fitness: What the Stuttgart Game Told Us
A knock at Konyaspor raised doubts, but the Stuttgart game answered the fitness question. The goal question is a separate matter.
Ten days before Tanzania, the Super Eagles got the news they wanted from Istanbul.
Osimhen scored a header in the 12th minute of Galatasaray’s 4-0 win at Konyaspor on Friday, then needed treatment on the pitch, Legit.ng reported (opens in a new tab). Coach Okan Buruk took him off in the 61st minute, and footage of him limping after the final whistle spread online. The knock is understood to be minor and the substitution precautionary, the report said. He trained fully on Monday.
THE STUTTGART ANSWER
He played all 90 minutes against Stuttgart on Tuesday. Pulse Sports Nigeria reported (opens in a new tab) that he had the most touches in the box (eight) and a match-high seven attempts, and that he created one big chance and delivered a key pass. Galatasaray won 2-0 through a Batrakov brace inside 15 minutes. Osimhen did not score.
A blank with seven shots is not the same as a blank with none. His fitness question looks settled for now.
WHAT IT MEANS FOR NIGERIA
Voice of Nigeria (opens in a new tab) reported Nigeria’s improvement came when wide players Moses Simon and Moses Usor came on in Bissau. Legit.ng, citing OwnGoal Nigeria, reported (opens in a new tab) that Osimhen is back in the squad for Tanzania. At Galatasaray he gets chances. The question for Chelle is whether Nigeria can supply them.
THE COUNTERPOINT
Seven shots and no goal also says finishing has to be sharper. Osimhen had scored four in his previous three games, according to Premium Times, so one quiet night proves little. Back-to-back games four days apart with a recent knock means Chelle may want to manage his minutes.
YOUR TURN
Should Chelle start Osimhen in both games against Tanzania, or rest him for one? Vote and tell us why.
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Sports Writer
Michael is a sports writer who covers football across domestic leagues, European competitions and international fixtures. His work blends match reports, previews and analysis, giving readers the key moments and the bigger picture in a quick, readable format. With a background in copywriting and content creation, he brings a sharp eye for storytelling to every piece.
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