Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after failing to recover from a muscle injury.
Osimhen picked up the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 away victory over Istanbul Başakşehir on September 4 and has not featured for the Turkish club since.
Despite the setback, head coach Éric Chelle initially included the 27-year-old in Nigeria’s squad for the qualifiers in the hope that he would recover in time.
His recovery has taken longer than expected, leading to his withdrawal from the two fixtures.
Nigeria will begin its qualifying campaign against Madagascar’s Barea at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Thursday.
The Super Eagles will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau’s Djurtus in their second match four days later.
Osimhen’s absence leaves Nigeria without one of its key attacking options as the three-time African champions begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.
AFCON 2027Q: Osimhen ruled out of Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau games
