Osimhen Ruled Out of AFCON Qualifiers

Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches after failing to recover in time from a lingering right adductor muscle injury.

Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed on Sunday that the 27-year-old Galatasaray striker has not regained full fitness for the international break. Nigeria face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to play Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

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Osimhen sustained the injury on September 4 during Galatasaray’s 3-2 Super Lig victory over Istanbul Başakşehir. He scored the opening goal but was forced off in the 33rd minute. Scans later revealed an advanced-moderate strain with bleeding in the right adductor (groin) muscle group. Galatasaray initially projected a recovery of roughly two to three weeks.

Despite the setback, head coach Eric Chelle included Osimhen in the 24-man squad announced last week, hoping the forward would pass a late fitness test. That test never came.

Osimhen was unavailable for Galatasaray’s league fixture against Trabzonspor on September 19, a match that both club and national-team officials had viewed as a key checkpoint. The Turkish champions subsequently informed the Super Eagles that the striker remains under treatment and will not be released for the qualifiers.

“Osimhen is still undergoing treatment and will not be available for Nigeria’s fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau,” the national team’s report stated.

The absence of Nigeria’s leading striker — who has 35 international goals and remains central to Chelle’s attacking plans — is a significant blow as the Super Eagles begin their Group L campaign. Tanzania, as co-hosts of the 2027 tournament, have automatic qualification, meaning only the highest-placed side among Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will advance from the group.

Chelle still has several forward options available, including Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and first-time call-up George Ilenikhena. The coach is expected to lean on these players as Nigeria seek maximum points from the double-header to set an early marker in the qualifying race.

Osimhen’s recovery will continue under Galatasaray’s medical team. He is expected to return to club action after the international window.