Osimhen Invited to Nigeria Squad for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

Victor Osimhen, currently with Galatasaray, has been formally invited to join the Nigeria national team for their opening matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. This invitation comes as Nigeria prepares for its first AFCON qualifying matches since missing out on the 2026 World Cup.

Osimhen is currently a doubt for these fixtures due to a right groin injury sustained during Galatasaray's 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4, where he scored before being substituted in the 33rd minute. Medical tests revealed a moderate-to-advanced strain with bleeding in the right groin area.

Treatment has commenced, and while Galatasaray expects him to travel for their league match against Trabzonspor, his fitness will be assessed before Nigeria's matches. Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 and will face Guinea-Bissau four days later, competing in Group L alongside Tanzania.