Osimhen Gets Nigeria AFCON 2027 Call-Up Despite Injury Doubt

Galatasaray have received a formal invitation from the Nigeria Football Federation for striker Victor Osimhen to join the Super Eagles for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, despite concerns over his fitness.

According to reports, Galatasaray insider Ali Naci Küçük disclosed the development as Nigeria prepare to begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

Osimhen remains a doubt for the fixtures after suffering a right groin injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4. The Nigerian striker scored after 16 minutes but was substituted in the 33rd minute after picking up the injury.

Galatasaray subsequently confirmed that medical examinations revealed a moderate-to-advanced strain accompanied by bleeding in the right groin area. The club said treatment had commenced and indicated that the forward was expected to return after the international break, raising doubts over his availability for Nigeria’s September matches.

However, Küçük has reported that Osimhen is expected to travel with Galatasaray for their league encounter away to Trabzonspor. The striker could feature if required, although it remains unclear whether he will be included in the starting lineup.

The Trabzonspor fixture could therefore provide an indication of Osimhen’s fitness ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying campaign.

Nigeria are scheduled to host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The three teams are in Group L alongside Tanzania. However, Tanzania, as one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, have automatic qualification, leaving Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau to battle for the remaining qualifying places in the group.