Victor Osimhen’s blistering form and relentless work ethic have established him as one of the most exciting strikers in world football.
However, injuries have been a constant setback in his career, disrupting his progress at key moments.
As a powerful forward who thrives on physical battles, his all-action style has often left him vulnerable to knocks and setbacks.
Earlier this season, he suffered a thigh muscle strain during Galatasaray's Süper Lig encounter against Kasımpaşa on September 28, where he scored twice in a thrilling 3-3 draw.
That injury sidelined him for 14 days, causing him to miss three matches before making a triumphant return against Antalyaspor, where he scored in a 3-0 victory.
Just as he was finding his rhythm at Galatasaray, this new injury struck, raising concerns about his long-term fitness.
Osimhen forging ahead despite injury worries
Despite his injuries, Osimhen is the top scorer at Galatasaray with 20 goals and four assists from 22 matches in the Süper Lig, while he has notched up six goals in the Europa League before they were eliminated by Dutch side AZ Alkmaar.
He has had his fair bit of injury issues this season, but he is currently fit and leading Galatasaray's charge to the Turkish Super Lig title.
Osimhen injury history
Osimhen’s playing style, marked by his explosive pace, physicality, and relentless pressing, makes him a nightmare for defenders but also renders him susceptible to injuries.
His time at German side Wolfsburg was blighted by injuries, with the then teenager suffering two shoulder injuries that in 2018 that made him miss about 114 days.
After his move to Napoli in 2021, he suffered another shoulder injury that kept him out of football for 62 days.
His history of physical setbacks paints a troubling picture.
Here is a breakdown of his injury issues in the last three years.
- February 2021: Head injury – 11 days out
- October 2021: Calf strain – 7 days out
- November 2021: Broken cheekbone – 54 days out
- April 2022: Muscular issues – 2 days out
- September 2022: Hamstring injury – 32 days out
- March 2023: Abductor injury – 18 days out
- August 2023: Muscle fatigue – 5 days out
- October 2023: Hamstring injury – 42 days out
- February 2024: Fitness concerns – 2 days out
- March 2024: Muscular problems – 4 days out
- May 2024: Muscle fatigue – 38 days out
- September 2024: Muscle strain – 14 days out
- December 2024: Muscle strain – 15 days (estimated)
- January 2025: Fever – three days out
Despite these setbacks, Osimhen’s resilience remains commendable.
Osimhen injury: Impact on the Super Eagles
Injuries have plagued Osimhen's international career as well, often depriving the Super Eagles of their talisman in crucial moments.
Back in 2021, he missed the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations after breaking his cheekbone and eye socket in a clash with Inter Milan defender Milan Škriniar.
The injury led to him wearing the mask which has now become his trademark.
Nigeria felt his absence, exiting in the second round against Tunisia.
In June 2024, Osimhen missed Nigeria’s FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin due to muscle fatigue.
The setback sidelined him for four club matches and two international fixtures.
The Super Eagles struggled in his absence, reinforcing his importance to the team.
In October 2024, another injury ruled him out of Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 qualifiers against Libya, adding to a series of disruptions that have limited his availability.
However, he played his first game in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda on March 21, 2025 and scored twice as Nigeria defeated Rwanda 2-0 in Kigali.
Galatasaray and Nigeria hope his injury struggles will soon be behind him, allowing him to reach his full potential and secure his place among Africa’s football greats.
