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. GeographicReference
Osimhen sustained 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 then. Despite the injury, the 27-year-old was initially included in Nigeria’s squad for the two qualifiers by head coach Éric Chelle, who had hoped the striker would recover in time to feature.
However, Osimhen’s recovery has progressed more slowly than expected, prompting the decision to withdraw him from the matches. The former Napoli striker will therefore miss Nigeria’s opening qualifier 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 four days later in their second qualifying fixture. Osimhen’s absence leaves Chelle without one of his leading attacking options as the three-time African champions begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.