Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is a major doubt for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after Galatasaray confirmed that he suffered a moderate-to-advanced strain in his right adductor muscle.
Galatasaray announced on Sunday, September 6, that medical examinations conducted at Acıbadem Hospital detected bleeding and a strain in the striker’s right groin.
Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir on Friday, September 4. The Nigerian striker opened the scoring before being substituted in the 33rd minute after complaining of 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 Turkish champions also confirmed that midfielder Mario Lemina suffered a similar injury, with both players already undergoing treatment.
“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,” the club added.
Galatasaray did not disclose a specific timeframe for Osimhen’s return, leaving Nigeria facing an anxious wait over the striker’s fitness.
The injury comes just weeks before the Super Eagles begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign. Nigeria are scheduled to face Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania. With Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the tournament as a host nation, only the highest-ranked team among Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will secure qualification from the group.
Osimhen’s potential absence would represent a major blow to head coach Eric Chelle, with the striker a key figure in Nigeria’s attack.
Chelle is also monitoring the fitness of Trabzonspor forward Paul Onuachu, who was forced off in the 44th minute after scoring twice in his side’s emphatic 5-0 victory over Gençlerbirliği.
The Super Eagles coach now faces a race against time to assess the fitness of his key attacking options before Nigeria’s crucial opening qualifiers later this month.
