Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s first matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. His recovery from a right adductor muscle strain took longer than expected, according to a report from the Super Eagles team on Saturday.
Osimhen was named in Eric Chelle’s squad for the international window. The national team hoped the Galatasaray player would get fit in time for the qualifiers.
But his return was delayed after he missed Galatasaray’s Süper Lig match against Trabzonspor on September 19. Both the club and national team officials saw this match as an important test for the striker's fitness.
Galatasaray later told the Super Eagles management that Osimhen is still receiving treatment and will not play in Nigeria’s upcoming matches.
“Osimhen is still undergoing treatment and will not be available for Nigeria’s fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau,” the report said.
The Super Eagles are set to play Madagascar on September 25 and then Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Osimhen’s absence will change Chelle’s plans as Nigeria starts its journey to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.
Osimhen will continue his recovery at Galatasaray. His return to playing competitively will depend on how fast he heals from the adductor injury.
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