Super Eagles Dealt Major Blow as Osimhen Ruled Out of AFCON Qualifiers

​The Super Eagles have suffered a heavy personnel setback ahead of their upcoming fixtures after talismanic striker Victor Osimhen was officially ruled out of the team’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

​Osimhen has been sidelined due to a right adductor muscle strain sustained earlier this month. The prolific forward picked up the injury on September 4 while turning out for Turkish Super Lig club Galatasaray against Istanbul Basaksehir, where he managed to score before being forced off in the 33rd minute.

​Though head coach Eric Chelle initially included the star striker in his 24-man roster in hopes of a swift recovery, subsequent medical evaluations confirmed that his rehabilitation timeline would extend past the international window. Having missed Galatasaray’s recent fixtures—including a Champions League outing against Sporting CP and a league encounter with Trabzonspor—club and national team officials mutually agreed to withdraw him from selection.

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​Squad Impact and Alternative Options

​The absence of the reigning forward leaves a massive void in Nigeria’s final third, particularly with crucial Group L matches looming.

• ​The Schedule: The Super Eagles are set to host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo before traveling away to face Guinea-Bissau four days later, followed by an international friendly against Russia in October.

• ​Attacking Replacements: To mitigate the blow, coach Chelle retains a wealth of alternative European-based attacking talent, including Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Tolu Arokodare, and Akor Adams.

​The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the updated squad changes on Sunday, wishing their marquee goalscorer a prompt and complete recovery as the team prepares to launch its quest for continental qualification.