Turkish Super Lig: Galatasaray Boss Explains Osimhen’s Absence In Season Opener

Turkish Super Lig: Galatasaray Boss Explains Osimhen’s Absence In Season Opener

Sampson Adedeji

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has revealed why Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen was left out of the team’s opening Turkish Super Lig match against Gaziantep FK on Saturday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The reigning champions kicked off their campaign without the prolific forward, who spent last season on loan at the club. 

According to Buruk, the decision was made after discussions with Osimhen, who felt it was better to rest and avoid unnecessary risk.

“Osimhen had only a five or six-day training period,” Buruk told CNN Turk. “Playing under such conditions could have been risky. I spoke to him, and he felt it would be wiser to skip this match and prepare to feature in the next one.”

Osimhen was a standout performer for Galatasaray last season, scoring 37 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances.