Galatasaray’s Buruk Advises Osimhen to Rest After Nigeria Duty

Sports commentator Veli Yigit has advised Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk to bench Victor Osimhen for the crucial Istanbul derby against Basaksehir this Saturday. Yigit believes the star striker needs rest after a demanding international break with the Nigerian national team.

Osimhen’s recent performances for Nigeria in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have been exceptional. He played a key role in both matches, including a standout hat-trick in the 4-0 victory over the Benin Republic on Tuesday. This followed another appearance against Lesotho, contributing to a physically draining schedule for the forward.

A Call for Rest

Yigit explicitly stated that Osimhen should not start the upcoming match. “I don’t think Osimhen should be in the starting eleven for the Başakşehir match,” he said, according to Habersarikirmizi. “He’s been through a tiring period; he’s tired after national team duty.” The commentator emphasized that the player’s well-being and fitness should be the priority for the club.

Focus is on Galatasaray

As detailed in the complete version, there are several key factors to consider.

Despite the fatigue, Yigit noted Osimhen’s positive mental state and commitment to his new club. “I see Osimhen very happy. His complete focus is on Galatasaray,” he observed. With his future settled, the commentator expects the striker to deliver top-level performances for the team, but only after adequate recovery. Managing Victor Osimhen’s minutes will be crucial for Galatasaray to get the best out of their marquee signing in the long run. The decision on whether Victor Osimhen plays could significantly impact the derby’s outcome.