Osimhen ruled out, Awoniyi takes his place ahead of Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau

Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s first two matches in the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The Nigerian Football Federation confirmed on Sunday, September 20, 2026, that the Galatasaray forward, who is still recovering from a muscle injury, will be replaced by Taiwo Awoniyi.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar on September 25 in Uyo before traveling to Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Osimhen was still included in the 24-man squad announced for these two matches, with the coaching staff hoping for a swift recovery.

That recovery has not occurred. The 27-year-old sustained his injury while playing for Galatasaray against Istanbul Başakşehir, leaving the pitch in the 33rd minute. Medical examinations later revealed a muscle injury to his right adductor. His absence from the league match against Trabzonspor on Saturday confirmed that he would not be ready for the international window.

Éric Chelle has thus called up Taiwo Awoniyi. The Coventry City forward joins an attacking line that also includes Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and George Ilenikhena.

Nigeria will therefore begin its qualifying campaign without one of its key scorers. Osimhen will continue his rehabilitation with Galatasaray, while his availability for the friendly match against Russia scheduled for October 6 will depend on the progress of his recovery.