Osimhen Puts Galatasaray Defeat Behind, Eyes World Cup Qualification with Super Eagles

After suffering a shock 1–0 loss with Galatasaray on Sunday, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen has quickly shifted his focus to national duty as the Super Eagles prepare for their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff against Gabon.

Galatasaray endured a disappointing evening after Dan Agyei’s first-half goal sealed victory for Kocaelispor. Osimhen appeared to have salvaged a draw late in the match, but his effort was disallowed following a VAR review that found Gabriel Sara marginally offside in the build-up.

The defeat ended Galatasaray’s winning run and left the Turkish champions ruing missed chances.

Speaking to reporters shortly after the match, Osimhen dismissed any lingering disappointment and reaffirmed his commitment to the Super Eagles’ World Cup campaign.

“I have to travel. The game has happened — it’s in the past. Now I’m focused on my national team,”

The striker said, expressing his determination to help Nigeria return to the World Cup stage after missing the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

As of Sunday night, eight players Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, Olakunle Olusegun, Wilfred Ndidi, Moses Simon, and William Troost-Ekong had already arrived at the team’s Rabat training camp in Morocco.

With Osimhen expected to join them soon, preparations are in top gear ahead of Thursday’s decisive first-leg clash with Gabon, as Nigeria looks to take a major step toward qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.