Victor Osimhen risks missing Super Eagles’ September AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Victor Osimhen of Nigeria Super Eagles. Copyright: ImagoxSFSIx

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen could miss Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers later this month, Soccernet.ng reports.

​The Nigerian forward sustained an injury during Galatasaray’s Turkish Süper Lig clash against Istanbul Başakşehir at the Fatih Terim Stadium on Friday.

​Leading the line for the Cimbom, Osimhen made an immediate impact by firing a sensational strike from outside the box, which bounced in off the underside of the crossbar.

Despite looking sharp, the striker was forced off in the 33rd minute and replaced by Barış Alper Yılmaz. Osimhen appeared to clutch his thigh after stretching to intercept a pass just moments earlier.

Osimhen bu pozisyon sonrası oyuna devam edemedi. pic.twitter.com/wYaJl6c4Do

— GoalhubX – Anlık Goller (@Anindagol93) September 4, 2026

​Although the club has yet to release an official medical update, Osimhen’s injury history suggests he could face a short spell on the sidelines — a major setback for both club and country.

Galatasaray are set to travel to Portugal next week to face Sporting CP in the UEFA Champions League, where his absence would be deeply felt.

​Meanwhile, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle will be monitoring the situation closely.

Soccer ​Can Nigeria Cope Without Victor Osimhen?

​While Osimhen limped off in visible discomfort, his substitution may have been a precautionary measure by manager Okan Buruk to prevent further damage ahead of their European fixture.

​Regardless, Coach Chelle will be anxious about his talisman’s fitness. Osimhen is undoubtedly Nigeria’s standout performer and primary attacking outlet, and the national team has frequently struggled for fluency in his absence.

​Fortunately, the Super Eagles have alternatives in fine form. Strikers such as Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers, and Rafiu Durosinmi are all enjoying strong campaigns at their respective clubs.

​Nigeria kick off their qualifying campaign on September 23 against Madagascar, before taking on Guinea-Bissau four days later. It is important that they start on a strong note, as only one team will qualify from their group.

Kelvin Omachonu

Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
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