Osimhen Set for Knee Surgery, Ruled Out of AFCON Qualifiers

​ISTANBUL — Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after Galatasaray confirmed that the star forward will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee today.

​The 26-year-of striker suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s recent UEFA Champions League fixture against German side VfB Stuttgart. Although Osimhen completed the match, subsequent medical evaluations revealed a strain alongside a loose body (free fragment) in the left knee joint, necessitating immediate surgical intervention.

​Medical Intervention and Club Statement

​In an official statement released on Friday, the Turkish Süper Lig champions detailed the severity of the issue and outlined the treatment path:

​“Our player Victor Osimhen, who suffered a strain in his left knee during our UEFA Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart and was found to have a loose body in MRI scans, is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic knee surgery today at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital, performed by our club doctor Yener İnce.”

​Following the diagnosis, Osimhen has been promptly withdrawn from Galatasaray’s upcoming domestic fixture against Amed S.F. The club has yet to announce a definitive timeline for his full return to competitive action.

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​Major Blow for Nigeria’s AFCON Hopes

​The timing of the injury comes as a severe setback for the Nigerian national team. Osimhen is officially ruled out of the Super Eagles’ crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Tanzania, scheduled for November 13 and November 17.

​His absence deprives coach and fans of one of the continent’s most lethal attacking weapons during a critical phase of the qualifying campaign. Technical crew members are expected to look toward alternative frontline options, with players like Taiwo Awoniyi heavily tipped to step up and shoulder the goalscoring burden in his absence.