The Nigerian national football team faces growing anxiety over Victor Osimhen's availability for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as the star striker continues to battle a persistent hamstring injury.
Injury Timeline and Recovery Concerns
Victor Osimhen sustained the hamstring problem during Nigeria's crucial 2026 World Cup playoff matches, casting immediate doubt on his participation in the continental tournament. The 26-year-old Galatasaray forward has already missed significant club activities, including training sessions and key matches such as the 3-1 Super Lig victory against Genclerbirligi and the 1-0 UEFA Champions League defeat to Union SG.
Medical assessments present a worrying picture for Super Eagles fans. If Osimhen's recovery doesn't accelerate significantly, he might not return to peak performance until the next season begins. This timeline creates a critical challenge with AFCON 2025 scheduled to commence on December 21, 2025, as confirmed by Sky Sports broadcast listings.
Club Versus Country Tension Escalates
Galatasaray officials have expressed strong dissatisfaction with how the Nigerian national team managed Osimhen during the World Cup qualifiers. According to African Football reports, the Turkish champions had specifically advised limiting the striker's playing time to 70 minutes during the first-leg match against Gabon due to pre-existing hamstring concerns.
Instead, Osimhen played the full 120 minutes, including extra time, a decision that Galatasaray believes directly aggravated the injury. The club has since adopted a cautious rehabilitation approach, prioritizing the player's long-term health over immediate tournament commitments.
Nigeria's Striking Dilemma Intensifies
The potential absence of the 2023 CAF Men's Player of the Year creates substantial tactical problems for Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle. Osimhen has been the cornerstone of the Super Eagles' attacking strategy, and his possible unavailability forces the team to consider alternative options.
Nigeria finds itself in Group C alongside Tanzania, Uganda, and Tunisia for the tournament in Morocco. While Galatasaray president Dursun Ozbek has projected a return for the Istanbul Derby against Fenerbahce on December 1, the proximity to AFCON's December 21 start date leaves minimal margin for error.
Coach Chelle has reportedly submitted an initial 55-man squad to the Nigeria Football Federation, with the final 25-man selection expected soon. Potential replacements include Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Paul Onauchu, Cyriel Dessers, and Victor Boniface, though none possess Osimhen's proven track record at international level.
The coming weeks will prove decisive for both Osimhen's recovery and Nigeria's tournament preparations, with the nation anxiously awaiting medical updates ahead of Africa's premier football competition.
