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.
Injury Details and Match Incident
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. The club’s statement read: “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 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.
Impact on Nigeria’s AFCON Qualifying Campaign
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.
Additional Injury Concerns for Super Eagles
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.
