Osimhen Confirms Surgery Decision, Hails Mikel Obi, Ighalo

Nigerian striker, Victor Osimhen, has confirmed he will undergo surgery on a fractured right forearm, with the expectation to be out for up to six weeks following Galatasaray’s 4-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.

Naija News reports that Osimhen disclosed the extent of the injury during a livestream with influencer Carter Efe, offering a detailed account of the early collision with Ibrahima Konate that forced him off just 10 minutes into the round of 16 second leg.

“I need to go under the knife. Under the knife means I need to have surgery to fix it because my arm is broken. It will take a maximum of five to six weeks. Six weeks at most, and I will be back to football. Most of the time, it’s four weeks, then two weeks for you to train alone, gradually regain your fitness, and then you join the team,” he said.

Osimhen said the seriousness of the injury only became clear when he attempted to continue.

“I went for the ball, I arrived at the same time as the defender, my arm was free, and I never imagined his knee would land on my arm. I didn’t realise straight away that it was broken; I thought it would be fine by the end of the match. When I tried to run, the pain stopped me in my tracks: it felt as though my arm was falling off. I tried to carry on, but I couldn’t manage it,” he said.

The 27-year-old, who still wears a protective mask from a previous facial injury, played down the latest setback.

“I’m no stranger to certain situations. I’ve been through worse: I still have about 18 screws in my face from my previous operation, and I can’t even eat properly on the right side. This injury is just a minor thing compared to what I’ve been through,” he said.

He also revealed that Dominik Szoboszlai and Konate both reached out after the match.

“Szoboszlai and I had an on-field conversation. After the game, he came to meet me and mentioned he didn’t know the injury was as serious. Konate also messaged me, he didn’t mean to harm me. It’s football, these things happen,” Osimhen said.

Osimhen has since returned to Nigeria ahead of the procedure and used the moment to thank Galatasaray for their support.

“They saved me when I was at rock bottom. After I signed, even my daughter grew fonder of them than of me. I will be forever grateful to the club,” he said.

The striker is set to miss key league fixtures, including clashes with Trabzonspor and Kocaelispor, and faces a race to be fit for the Istanbul derby against Fenerbahce on April 26. He has registered 19 goals and seven assists in all competitions this season.

Osimhen recounts Mikel’s gesture after first Super Eagles call-up

Osimhen has also shared a personal story involving former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel, describing a gesture that left a lasting impression on him during his early days with the national team.

Speaking during the same livestream, the forward, who is currently in Lagos, said Mikel invited him to his room and handed him money shortly after a team meal.

“I met Mikel Obi when they first invited me to the Super Eagles. We finished eating, and he told me to follow him to his room immediately, and he gave me money,” Osimhen said.

The striker recalled growing up in Lagos, watching national team stars and later sharing a dressing room with them.

“We were watching Super Eagles matches when we were in the trenches. You hear Nwankwo Kanu, Jay-Jay Okocha, and John Obi Mikel. Even before I got to the Super Eagles, Odion Ighalo was doing well for the country, and I’ve met him a couple of times,” he said.

Osimhen and Mikel featured together briefly for Nigeria before the midfielder retired from international football in 2019.

He also praised Ighalo, describing the former Manchester United striker as a major influence.

“He is an amazing human being, a great football player, a legend, and for me has made an impact, not only on me,” he said.