Victor Osimhen has warned Manchester City ahead of Galatasaray’s must-win Champions League group match after returning from AFCON 2025

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has sent a strong warning to Manchester City ahead of Galatasaray’s decisive final group match in the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.

Also read: CAF Sanctions Algeria After AFCON Loss to Nigeria

Osimhen returned to action for the Turkish champions after nearly a month away at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

The forward played the full 90 minutes as Galatasaray fought back to secure a 1–1 draw against Atletico Madrid at the Ali Sami Yen Sports Complex.

The result leaves Galatasaray 17th on the 36-team league table and facing a must-win encounter against Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on January 28 at the Etihad Stadium to guarantee qualification for the knockout stage.

Speaking to Galatasaray TV after the Atletico clash, Osimhen praised his teammates’ effort and expressed confidence ahead of the trip to England.

“We knew before the match that we would be playing against a strong opponent,” Osimhen said.

“I congratulate my teammates for their fight throughout the 90 minutes. We did a good job against a great opponent. The match was 50-50, and we had chances to finish it.”

Looking ahead to Manchester City, the Nigerian striker acknowledged the challenge posed by Guardiola’s side and star forward Erling Haaland but insisted Galatasaray can get a positive result.

“Manchester City is one of the best teams in the world. We’ll take it one game at a time. It won’t be easy, but I trust my team. I’m looking at it positively—we can get something out of it,” he added.

City go into the clash after a shock 3–1 Champions League defeat to Bodo/Glimt, with Haaland publicly apologising to supporters for the result.

Also read: CAF Sanctions Algeria After AFCON Loss to Nigeria

Galatasaray, meanwhile, will face Fatih Karagumruk in the Turkish league before their crucial Champions League showdown in Manchester.