Nigeria have been dealt a major injury blow ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Victor Osimhen set to miss the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as his recovery from a groin injury continues to take longer than hoped.
Osimhen was surprisingly included in head coach Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad despite not playing since suffering the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4.
There had been hope that the 27-year-old would recover in time to feature for Galatasaray against Trabzonspor before joining the Super Eagles for the international window.
However, those hopes have suffered a significant setback.
Galatasaray confirmed that Osimhen was not included in their squad for the Trabzonspor match, with the Nigerian still undergoing treatment alongside Mario Lemina and Wilfried Singo.
The striker had also been training separately from the main group during the week, having already missed Galatasaray’s Champions League meeting with Sporting CP and league victory over Kocaelispor.
Reports indicate Galatasaray have communicated concerns over Osimhen’s fitness ahead of Nigeria’s international fixtures, with the Turkish champions wanting the striker to be given additional recovery time.
Nigeria host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Osimhen’s expected absence leaves Chelle with Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and newcomer George Ilenikhena among his central attacking alternatives.
For Chelle, the challenge is now clear: Nigeria must begin the road to AFCON 2027 without their leading striker at the heart of the attack.
