Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Galatasaray have reached an agreement over Victor Osimhen’s release for Africa Cup of Nations duties, although his groin injury is still expected to keep him out of this month’s 2027 AFCON qualifying matches.
Quick facts
- Osimhen suffered a right adductor injury on 4 September.
- Nigeria will play Madagascar in Uyo on 25 September.
- The Super Eagles visit Guinea-Bissau on 29 September.
- Galatasaray could consider Osimhen for Saturday’s trip to Trabzonspor.
The forward’s recovery has moved more quickly than initially anticipated. However, that progress is not expected to bring him back in time for Nigeria’s first qualifying fixtures of the month.
Osimhen was injured during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory away to Istanbul Başakşehir on 4 September. He opened the scoring in the 16th minute, then left the field in the 33rd after sustaining damage to his right adductor.
Club doctors described the problem as a moderate-to-advanced strain accompanied by bleeding in the groin. The original assessment was that he would require approximately three weeks to recover.
More intensive treatment has since improved the striker’s chances. He may be named in Galatasaray’s squad for Saturday’s match at Trabzonspor if he completes this week’s practice programme and passes the required medical examinations.
Coach Okan Buruk said Galatasaray would like Osimhen and Mario Lemina to be available for the fixture. Neither player, however, will be cleared to play if pain remains or their final assessments produce negative results.
Buruk said only five or six days remain before the match, making it difficult to establish Osimhen’s condition with certainty. Even a place in the squad would not guarantee a start: he could play a short role, remain among the substitutes or be held out altogether because an overly early comeback could worsen the injury.
For Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle, the encouraging recovery update does not remove the problem surrounding his squad selection for September. Nigeria face Madagascar in Uyo on 25 September and then travel to Guinea-Bissau for the 29 September meeting.
Galatasaray have previously indicated that Osimhen is not expected to return until after the international break, a position that would exclude him from both games. His improved condition therefore does not change the immediate outlook for the qualifiers.
Chelle’s next decision on the striker is more likely to come during Nigeria’s following qualifying period, scheduled for 9–17 November, when the opponents will be confirmed later.
Until then, Chelle has Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho and George Ilenikhena as his attacking options for the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
