Victor Osimhen has been withdrawn from Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after his recovery from injury took longer than expected, Footynaija reports.
The Galatasaray striker was included in Eric Chelle’s original 24-man squad announced on September 17, despite missing his club’s recent matches with a right adductor injury. According to journalist Colin Udoh, Osimhen will now stay with Galatasaray as he continues his recovery.
Osimhen suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4. He scored in the 17th minute but was forced off in the 33rd minute after suffering the problem.
Related Post
Galatasaray later confirmed a moderate-to-advanced strain with bleeding in the right adductor muscle group. Osimhen subsequently missed matches against Kocaelispor and Sporting CP before also being ruled out of Saturday’s 4-0 defeat by Trabzonspor.
Nigeria had hoped the 27-year-old would recover in time for the AFCON qualifiers, but his continued treatment has ended those hopes. The Super Eagles will now face Madagascar without their leading striker at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25.
Chelle’s side will then travel to Bissau for their second Group L qualifier against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Osimhen’s withdrawal leaves Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena among the central attacking options in Chelle’s squad. Ilenikhena, 19, received his first senior Nigeria call-up for the two qualifiers.
It is not yet clear whether Chelle will call up a replacement for Osimhen.
