Victor Osimhen ruled out of Nigeria's AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Nigeria's Super Eagles will be without star striker Victor Osimhen for their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed that Osimhen's recovery from a right adductor muscle strain has been slower than expected, rendering him unfit for the upcoming international window.

Osimhen, who plays for Galatasaray, had initially been included in head coach Eric Chelle's 24-man squad in hopes that he would recover in time to feature in domestic league play. However, his absence from Galatasaray's recent match against Trabzonspor confirmed that he requires further rehabilitation.

Taiwo Awoniyi, the Coventry City striker, has been recalled to the squad to replace Osimhen. Awoniyi's inclusion marks his return to the national team for the first time since 2024. Nigeria is scheduled to host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before traveling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.