AFCON 2027 qualifiers: Osimhen ruled out of Nigeria ’s Super Eagles’ matches

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after failing to recover in time from a muscle strain.

The Nigeria Football Federation’s Super Eagles media unit confirmed on Saturday that the Galatasaray forward’s recovery had been slower than initially expected, meaning he will not be available for the national team during the forthcoming international window.

Osimhen was included in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers after both Galatasaray and the Super Eagles technical crew had remained hopeful that he would recover sufficiently to feature in the Turkish Super Lig encounter against Trabzonspor and subsequently be available for international duty. Blueprint reports

However, his absence from Galatasaray’s match against Trabzonspor has now effectively confirmed that the striker is still undergoing recovery.

Recovery takes longer than expected

According to the Super Eagles media unit, Osimhen’s continued absence from club action prompted Galatasaray to communicate with Nigeria coach Eric Chelle that the striker would not be ready for the national team’s matches.

The development is a setback for Nigeria, with Osimhen having been included in Chelle’s squad with the expectation that he could regain fitness before the qualifiers.

The striker sustained the muscle injury during his club commitments and has since been undergoing rehabilitation as he works towards a return to full fitness.

While there had initially been optimism that he could recover in time, the latest development indicates that the injury requires a longer recovery period.

Galatasaray kept Eagles informed

The Super Eagles media unit said Galatasaray had maintained communication with the Nigerian technical crew regarding Osimhen’s condition.

The Turkish club and Nigeria’s coaching staff had reportedly hoped that the striker would be fit enough to feature against Trabzonspor, which would have provided an important indication of his readiness for the international window.

His failure to make the matchday squad, however, has now settled the situation.

The Super Eagles will therefore have to prepare for their AFCON qualifiers without one of their most prominent attacking options.

Major blow for Chelle

Osimhen’s unavailability presents a significant selection issue for Chelle as Nigeria prepares for the qualifiers.

The striker remains an important part of the national team’s attacking setup and has consistently been among Nigeria’s major sources of goals.

His pace, movement, physical presence and ability to operate both inside and around the penalty area have made him a key component of the Super Eagles’ attacking plans.

Chelle will now have to consider alternative options for the matches, with other forwards expected to shoulder the responsibility of leading Nigeria’s attack.

The development could also lead to greater opportunities for the other strikers included in the squad.

Nigeria forced to adjust plans

The inclusion of Osimhen in the initial squad had suggested that the technical crew was optimistic about his chances of recovering before the qualifiers.

However, the latest update means Nigeria must now adjust its preparations.

The Super Eagles will continue their build-up to the AFCON qualifiers with the available players, while Osimhen focuses on completing his rehabilitation and returning to action for Galatasaray.

The Nigerian camp will also monitor his progress as the striker works towards regaining full fitness.

For now, however, the message from the Super Eagles media unit is clear: Osimhen will not be available for Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON qualifying matches.

The national team will have to negotiate the qualifiers without its star striker, while Galatasaray will continue managing his recovery with the expectation that he can return to full competitive action once he has completely recovered from the muscle problem.