Victor Osimhen Withdraws from Super Eagles Due to Injury

Victor Osimhen has withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers as he continues to recover from a groin injury sustained in early September. The Galatasaray striker left the pitch at half-time during a 3-2 derby victory over Istanbul Basaksehir and has not played since.

Nigeria's coach had initially included Osimhen in the 24-man squad, but after he missed Galatasaray's 4-0 defeat to Trabzonspor, he was removed from the squad, with Taiwo Awoniyi called up as his replacement. Osimhen's withdrawal has reignited claims on social media that he intentionally feigns injury to avoid international duty.

However, data shows he has missed 17 Super Eagles matches due to injury since his debut in June 2017, and on two occasions, he left the national team camp after sustaining injuries. Osimhen is Nigeria's second-highest scorer with 35 goals in 52 appearances, trailing only Rashidi Yekini.