Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifying matches after Galatasaray confirmed that the striker needs more time to recover from an adductor injury.
The 27-year-old was initially named in Éric Chelle’s 24-man Super Eagles squad for the games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. However, he will remain in Turkey to continue his rehabilitation rather than join up with Nigeria.
The decision follows Osimhen’s continued absence from Galatasaray’s squad for Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig trip to Trabzonspor.
Why Victor Osimhen Is Missing the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
Osimhen suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir on September 4.
The Nigeria international scored in the 16th minute but was forced off 17 minutes later after appearing to suffer a groin problem.
Medical examinations later revealed a strain to his right adductor muscle group. Galatasaray described the injury as moderate to advanced, involving bleeding and muscle strain.
The injury has already ruled him out of subsequent matches against Kocaelispor and Sporting CP.
[Internal Link: Latest Victor Osimhen and Super Eagles news]
According to HT Spor, Galatasaray also sent a letter to the Nigeria Football Federation explaining Osimhen’s condition and stating that he needs to continue treatment.
Why Osimhen Was Initially Named in the Nigeria Squad
Osimhen’s inclusion in Chelle’s squad did not mean that he had fully recovered.
Nigeria’s technical team remained hopeful that the striker could complete his rehabilitation in time for the September international window. His potential appearance against Trabzonspor was expected to provide an indication of his fitness.
However, Osimhen was not included in Galatasaray’s matchday squad, with reports indicating that he continues to experience pain.
As a result, the striker will stay with Galatasaray and continue his recovery rather than travel to Nigeria.
A Major Absence for the Super Eagles
Victor Osimhen AFCON 2027 involvement was particularly anticipated because of his impressive start to the new campaign.
Before suffering the injury, the Galatasaray forward had scored six goals and registered two assists in his first four league appearances for the Turkish champions.
His absence therefore leaves Chelle without one of Nigeria’s most established attacking options for the opening qualifiers.
Tolu Arokodare and Akor Adams are among the recognised centre-forward options available to the coach. Chelle can also call on attackers such as Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.
[Internal Link: Super Eagles squad for AFCON 2027 qualifiers]
Nigeria Prepare for Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau
Nigeria will begin its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25.
Four days later, the Super Eagles will travel to Bissau for their second qualifying fixture against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
With Osimhen unavailable, George Ilenikhena could also have an opportunity to impress if selected by Chelle.
Key Highlights
- Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
- Galatasaray says the striker needs continued treatment for an adductor injury.
- Osimhen has already missed several club matches because of the injury.
- He scored six goals and supplied two assists in his first four league appearances before the injury.
- Nigeria face Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Conclusion
Victor Osimhen will remain with Galatasaray as he continues his recovery from the adductor injury, ruling him out of Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures.
His absence gives other forwards in Éric Chelle’s squad an opportunity to step up as the Super Eagles begin their campaign against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
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