LAGOS — 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 muscle injury.
The 27-year-old Galatasaray forward was initially included in coach Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the September international window with hopes that he would recover in time.
However, Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed on Sunday that his recovery has taken longer than expected.
“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected,” Efoghe said in a statement.
According to the media officer, Galatasaray and the Super Eagles technical crew had expected the striker to regain full fitness in time for the Turkish Super Lig fixture against Trabzonspor.
“His absence from tonight’s match confirms Galatasaray’s correspondence to Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle that the striker is still recovering,” Efoghe said.
“He will not be ready for Nigeria’s matches,” he added.
Osimhen last featured for Galatasaray on September 5 against Istanbul Basaksehir. He opened scoring in the 16th minute but was forced off after 33 minutes with discomfort around his inner thigh.
The Turkish club subsequently described the injury as an advanced moderate strain involving bleeding and strain in the right adductor muscle group.
The injury has already kept him out of subsequent fixtures, including matches against Kocaelispor, Sporting CP in the Champions League, and Trabzonspor on September 19.
The setback leaves head coach Eric Chelle without one of his main attacking options.
Nigeria will begin its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign in Group L against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25.
The Super Eagles will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau four days later on September 29.
Nigeria is drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
With Osimhen unavailable, Chelle will now turn to other attacking options including Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, George Ilenikhena, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.
Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi has also been called up to replace Osimhen in the squad.
“Coventry City striker, Taiwo Awoniyi replaces Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau. Welcome back, Taiwo,” the Super Eagles announced on Sunday.
“We wish Victor a speedy recovery,” the team added.
