Osimhen ruled out as Nigeria begin AFCON qualifying campaign

Nigeria have suffered a major setback ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Victor Osimhen ruled out due to a lingering muscle strain. The Galatasaray striker had been included in Eric Chelle’s squad, but his absence from the club’s 4‑0 defeat to Trabzonspor confirmed that his recovery had stalled. The Super Eagles’ media team stated that both Galatasaray and national staff had hoped he would be fit for the weekend fixture and the international window, but medical checks showed he remains unavailable.

Osimhen sustained the injury on September 4 during a win over Istanbul Basaksehir, where he scored before being substituted with an adductor strain. He had started the season strongly, producing six goals and two assists in four league games. Chelle will now rely on Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and newcomer George Ilenikhena as Nigeria face Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea‑Bissau four days later.