Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau due to a lingering groin injury.
The 27-year-old was initially included in coach Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the international break, with hopes he would recover in time. Galatasaray and the Super Eagles technical crew had hoped he would be fit for the Turkish Super Lig fixture against Trabzonspor on Saturday, Sept 19, and then link up with the national team.
However, Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed on Sunday that his recovery has been slower than expected.
“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected,” Efoghe said. His absence from Galatasaray’s matchday squad for Saturday confirmed the club’s earlier correspondence to Chelle that he is still undergoing rehabilitation.
Osimhen last featured for Galatasaray on September 4-5 against Istanbul Basaksehir, scoring in the 17th minute before being forced off in the 33rd minute with discomfort in his inner thigh. The club described it as an advanced moderate strain with bleeding in the right adductor muscle group.
He has missed Galatasaray’s Champions League opener and league games since, and has 6 goals in 4 league appearances this season.
Nigeria will begin its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Thursday, September 25, and then travel to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Without Osimhen, Chelle will rely on other forwards including Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, George Ilenikhena, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.
