Monday, September 7, 2026 - Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is a doubt for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after Galatasaray confirmed he suffered a moderate-to-advanced strain in his right adductor muscle.
The Turkish champions announced on Sunday, September 6, that
medical examinations at Acıbadem Hospital detected bleeding and a strain in the
striker’s right groin area. Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s
3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir on Friday, September 4. He scored the
opening goal before being substituted in the 33rd minute after experiencing
discomfort.
“Following the completion of MR and advanced examinations at
our sponsor Acıbadem Hospital, advanced-moderate level strain (bleeding and
strain) has been detected in the right adductor (groin) muscle group of our
footballer Victor Osimhen,” Galatasaray said. The club also confirmed that
midfielder Mario Lemina had suffered a similar injury.
“Similarly, advanced-moderate level strain (bleeding and
strain) has been detected in the right adductor muscle group of our player
Mario Lemina, whose examinations have also been completed, and their treatment
processes are ongoing.” Both players have begun treatment, although Galatasaray
did not provide a timeframe for their return.
Osimhen’s injury raises concerns over his availability for
Nigeria’s opening 2027 AFCON qualifying matches against Madagascar and
Guinea-Bissau later in September. The Super Eagles are scheduled to begin their
Group L campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face
Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Nigeria were drawn alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and
co-hosts Tanzania in the group. With Tanzania automatically qualified as a
tournament host, only the highest-ranked team among the other three sides will
advance from the group. Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is also facing concerns
over the fitness of Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu, who was substituted in
the 44th minute after scoring twice in his club’s 5-0 victory over
Gençlerbirliği.
Onuachu was reported to have suffered a broken chin during a
challenge. Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar, Tochukwu Nnadi and Zaidu Sanusi
have also recently picked up knocks, adding to Nigeria’s injury concerns ahead
of the qualifiers.
Osimhen’s potential absence would deprive Nigeria of one of
their leading goalscorers. The 27-year-old has scored 35 goals for the Super
Eagles, two behind the late Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer
with 37. At club level, Osimhen has scored six goals and provided two assists
in four appearances this season. The injury also comes as Galatasaray prepare
for their UEFA Champions League campaign.
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