Nigeria: Osimhen called up despite injury, presence remains uncertain

Victor Osimhen has been called up for Nigeria’s first two matches in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau four days later. However, the Galatasaray forward is recovering from a right adductor injury, and his availability for the matches remains uncertain.

According to The Punch and Soccernet Nigeria, which report information from Turkish journalist Ali Naci Küçük, Galatasaray has received the formal invitation addressed to the Super Eagles striker. This call-up keeps Osimhen in Eric Chelle’s plans, but it does not constitute medical clearance.

The Turkish club confirmed on September 5 that Osimhen is suffering from pain and a strain in his right adductor, with treatment already underway and further examinations scheduled. The day before, the Nigerian had opened the scoring in the 16th minute during the 3-2 victory against Istanbul Başakşehir before leaving the pitch in the 33rd minute.

The player’s situation is being monitored as the gathering approaches. No official communication from the Nigerian Football Federation or Galatasaray has yet confirmed whether he will be able to participate in the two matches, and his availability will depend on the progress of his recovery.

The Nigerian Federation has set the opening of the campaign against Madagascar for Friday, September 25, in Uyo. The away match against Guinea-Bissau is scheduled for Tuesday, September 29. This sequence marks the start of a new continental campaign following Nigeria’s absence from the 2026 World Cup, an elimination that Osimhen described as a “great disappointment” in June..

At 27 years old, Osimhen has scored 35 goals for the Super Eagles, just two shy of Rashidi Yekini, the all-time leading scorer for the Nigerian national team with 37 goals.