Victor Osimhen Ruled Out of Nigeria’s AFCON Qualifiers as Injury Lingers

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have confirmed that Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after failing to recover from a right adductor muscle injury.

The Galatasaray striker sustained the injury in his club's 3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir on September 4. He was forced off the field after 33 minutes and has been receiving treatment ever since.

Osimhen was initially named in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the September qualifiers, with the hope he’d recover in time. His name was mentioned alongside other players like Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon.

However, the striker has not recovered as hoped and also missed Galatasaray’s league game against Trabzonspor. He will miss Nigeria’s opening two qualifiers.

Super Eagles media officer Promise Efogeh confirmed in a statement on Sunday morning that the 27-year-old was still recovering and would miss the international break.

“Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as he continues to recover from a muscle strain.

We wish Victor a speedy recovery.”

The Super Eagles face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before traveling to Bissau to play Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.