Osimhen Injury Concerns for Nigeria Ahead of AFCON Qualifiers

Victor Osimhen limped off the pitch during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4, 2023, raising concerns for Nigeria's head coach Eric Chelle ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Osimhen scored the opening goal in the 16th minute, marking his sixth goal of the season, but was substituted 17 minutes later due to a suspected muscle injury, with Baris Alper Yilmaz taking his place.

Nigeria's qualifying campaign begins against Madagascar on September 25, followed by a match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Chelle is under pressure following Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Osimhen had been in excellent form, having scored a winning penalty against Goztepe and a brace against Corum prior to this match. Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Usor are also making strong cases for inclusion in the Super Eagles squad, with both players performing well in their respective leagues.