Injury Forces Osimhen Out Of Super Eagles’ 2027 AFCON Qualifiers

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau due to injury.

According to reports, Osimhen suffered a muscle strain during Galatasaray’s 3-2 away victory over Istanbul Başakşehir on September 4 and has not featured for the Turkish club since the injury.

The 27-year-old forward was initially included in Nigeria’s squad for the two qualifiers after head coach Éric Chelle expressed hope that he would recover in time to participate.

However, his recovery has reportedly taken longer than anticipated, leading to the decision to withdraw him from the squad for the fixtures.

Osimhen will consequently miss Nigeria’s opening qualifying match against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Thursday, September 24.

The Super Eagles will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau in their second qualifying fixture four days later.

His absence means Chelle will begin Nigeria’s qualifying campaign without one of the team’s key attacking options as the three-time African champions seek to secure a place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria will now have to rely on the other forwards in the squad for the two fixtures as the team begins its campaign on the road to the continental tournament.