Turkish Super Lig: Osimhen Set To Miss Season Opener

Turkish Super Lig: Osimhen Set To Miss Season Opener

Sampson Adedeji

The 2025/2026 Turkish Super Lig season is set to kick off on Saturday, with defending champions Galatasaray scheduled to open the campaign away to Gaziantep FK, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Galatasaray, who clinched both the league title and domestic cup last season, will be aiming to begin the new campaign on a strong note.

However, they will do so without their star striker, Victor Osimhen. The Nigerian forward, who recently made his move permanent after an impressive loan spell last season, was noticeably absent from the matchday squad released by head coach Okan Buruk.

The club has not provided any official reason for his omission. Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray from Serie A side Napoli, became a fan favorite in Turkey after netting over 30 goals across all competitions last season, playing a crucial role in the team’s domestic double.

Alongside Osimhen, Argentine striker Mauro Icardi and Alvaro Morata who is reportedly on his way to Italy were also left out of the squad for the opening fixture. Osimhen is expected to return to action when Galatasaray host Fatih Karagümrük on matchday two.