Osimhen Injury Sparks Fresh Concern For Chelle Ahead Of AFCON Qualifiers

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has been handed a fresh injury concern after Victor Osimhen was forced off during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on Friday, September 4.

According to Ireporter Online, Osimhen gave Galatasaray an early lead in the 16th minute with his sixth goal of the season but was substituted 17 minutes later after appearing to suffer a suspected muscle injury. Baris Alper Yilmaz came on to replace the Nigerian striker.

The development comes at a crucial time for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles scheduled to begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Chelle will now await further medical updates on Osimhen to determine the severity of the injury and whether the striker will be available for the upcoming qualifiers. The coach is already under pressure following Nigeria’s failure to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Osimhen had enjoyed an impressive start to the season before the latest setback. He recently scored the winning penalty against Goztepe and followed it up with a brace against Corum, taking his season tally to six goals with his strike against Basaksehir.

Galatasaray eventually secured all three points in a dramatic second half. Eldor Shomurodov equalised from the penalty spot in the 66th minute before Lucas Torreira restored the home side’s advantage five minutes later. Davinson Sanchez subsequently scored an own goal to bring Basaksehir level, but Gabriel Sara struck a late free-kick in the 90th minute to seal victory for Galatasaray.

While awaiting news on Osimhen, Chelle has other attacking options who are making strong cases for selection. Kelechi Iheanacho, in particular, has started the season in impressive form with Bursaspor, scoring twice in a 4-0 victory over Istanbulspor to take his league tally to six goals and two assists in five matches.

Iheanacho has contributed at least one goal or assist in each league appearance this season, strengthening his claim for a return to the national team setup.

Moses Usor is another player attracting attention after a promising start with LASK. The 24-year-old has registered three goals and four assists in eight appearances across competitions, including a goal and an assist in LASK’s remarkable 5-1 extra-time victory over Celtic that overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit and secured qualification for the Champions League league phase.

Usor’s versatility, which allows him to operate on the wing or as a supporting forward, could provide Chelle with another attacking option. However, competition for places remains intense, with players such as Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon also in contention.

Iheanacho will likewise face competition from established Super Eagles forwards, including Osimhen, Lookman, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare, as Chelle prepares his squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.