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Victor Osimhen Blow Hits Nigeria Before AFCON 2027 Qualifiers
The Super Eagles begin their qualifying campaign without their star striker and with little room for error in a complicated Group L.
Victor Osimhen Ruled Out of Nigeria's Opening Qualifiers
Nigeria will begin its AFCON 2027 Qualifying campaign without its biggest attacking weapon. Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the opening matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau because of a muscle injury.
The striker was initially included in Eric Chelle's 24-man squad, but the Nigeria Football Federation subsequently confirmed that he will miss both fixtures as he continues his recovery.
Osimhen sustained the injury while playing for Galatasaray against Başakşehir and was forced off in the 33rd minute. His absence represents a significant setback for the Super Eagles, particularly given the unusual qualification scenario they face in Group L.
Nigeria's Attacking Options Without Victor Osimhen
Chelle still has plenty of attacking talent available as he looks to compensate for the absence of his star striker.
Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare are among the alternatives, while George Ilenikhena has also been included as Nigeria looks for additional firepower.
There are fresh faces elsewhere in the squad, with Arthur Okonkwo and Isaac James receiving their first senior call-ups. Stanley Nwabali and Ola Aina also return to the national team setup.
Nigeria Has Little Room for Error in Group L
The unique situation in Group L makes Nigeria's opening matches particularly important. Tanzania has already qualified for AFCON 2027 as one of the tournament's three co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda.
As a result, only the highest-ranked team other than Tanzania will earn another qualification spot from the group.
That effectively leaves Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau fighting for one ticket. The Super Eagles host Madagascar on September 25 before traveling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Madagascar will arrive with confidence after recently reaching the CHAN final, meaning Nigeria's opening fixture is unlikely to be straightforward.
Starting the campaign without Osimhen only increases the pressure on a Super Eagles side that knows every point could prove decisive.
Key Takeaways
- Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria's games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau with a muscle injury.
- Nigeria can still call on attackers including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon.
- With Tanzania already qualified as a co-host, Nigeria is effectively battling Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau for the remaining Group L qualification spot.
