Osimhen Faces Spell Out After Injury in Nigeria’s World Cup Exit

Victor Osimhen is expected to spend weeks on the sidelines after suffering a suspected hamstring injury during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying defeat to DR Congo. The Galatasaray striker was forced off at half-time and seen in tears as he made way for Akor Adams. He later limped around the pitch after the penalty shootout loss that confirmed Nigeria will miss a second straight World Cup.

Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle said, “Osimhen was substituted at half-time due to discomfort he felt behind his leg.” Reports from Turkey say he is already heading back to Istanbul for an MRI scan.

Speaking on Sky Spor TR, journalist Ali Naci Kucuk said a late-night meeting was held with the striker and that the “exact situation will become clear after the MRI.” He added there was “suspicion of either a muscle or hamstring injury” and a “51% chance Osimhen won't play in the Fenerbahçe derby.”

Osimhen has battled similar injuries in recent seasons and now faces a race against time to be fit for Nigeria’s first AFCON match on December 23. The Super Eagles’ top scorer, who fired a decisive brace against Gabon last week, could not repeat his heroics in Rabat but was seen consoling teammates after the defeat.