Osimhen Out for Champions League Opener, Doubtful for AFCON

Victor Osimhen, the striker for Galatasaray, has been ruled out of the club's UEFA Champions League opener against Sporting CP on September 9 due to a groin injury. Following MRI scans and medical examinations at Acıbadem Hospital, it was determined that he has an “advanced-moderate level strain” involving bleeding and strain in his right adductor muscle group.

Osimhen is expected to be sidelined for two to three weeks, which raises concerns for Nigeria as he may miss the opening matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray's 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir, where he scored in the 16th minute but was replaced in the 33rd minute due to discomfort.

His absence is compounded by another injury concern for Nigeria, as Paul Onuachu also suffered an injury during a match. Despite this setback, Osimhen is anticipated to recover in time for Galatasaray's second Champions League fixture against Barcelona on October 13.