Nigeria have suffered an injury setback ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with Victor Osimhen expected to miss the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The striker is still recovering from a groin injury suffered during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4.
Despite not playing since the injury, Osimhen was included in Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad, with hopes that he would recover in time to play for Galatasaray against Trabzonspor.
However, those hopes have now faded.
Galatasaray left Osimhen out of the squad for the Trabzonspor match as he continues his treatment. He has also been training separately from the main group and has missed the club’s recent matches against Sporting CP and Kocaelispor.
Reports say Galatasaray have informed the Super Eagles technical crew about Osimhen’s condition, with the Turkish champions keen for the forward to have more time to recover.
Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
With Osimhen likely to miss both games, Chelle will have Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and newly invited George Ilenikhena as his main options in attack.
Nigeria will therefore begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign without their leading striker.
