Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after his recovery from a right adductor muscle strain took longer than expected, according to a report by the Super Eagles team on Saturday

Osimhen was included in Eric Chelle’s squad for the international window as the national team hoped the Galatasaray forward would regain full fitness in time for the qualifiers.

However, his expected return was delayed after he was unavailable for Galatasaray’s Süper Lig clash against Trabzonspor on September 19.

The match had been viewed by both club and national team officials as an important fitness checkpoint for the striker.

Galatasaray subsequently informed the Super Eagles management that Osimhen remains under treatment and will not be available for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.

“Osimhen is still undergoing treatment and will not be available for Nigeria’s fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau,” the report stated.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Madagascar on September 25 before taking on Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Osimhen’s absence will be a significant change to Chelle’s plans as Nigeria begins its campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.

The striker will now continue his rehabilitation at Galatasaray, with his eventual return to competitive action dependent on his recovery from the adductor injury.