Osimhen Gets Nigeria Call-Up For AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Despite Injury Concerns

Galatasaray have received a formal invitation for striker Victor Osimhen to join the Nigeria national team for the country’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, despite concerns over his fitness.

According to Bush Radio Academy, Galatasaray insider Ali Naci Küçük reported the development as Nigeria prepare for their first AFCON qualifying fixtures since failing to secure qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Osimhen’s availability for the matches, however, remains uncertain following a right groin injury he sustained during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring after just 16 minutes but was forced off in the 33rd minute after picking up the injury. Subsequent medical examinations reportedly showed a moderate-to-advanced strain accompanied by bleeding in the right groin area.

Galatasaray confirmed that treatment had commenced and indicated that Osimhen was expected to return after the international break, raising concerns over his ability to participate in Nigeria’s September qualifiers.

However, Küçük has since reported that Galatasaray expect the striker to travel with the squad for their league fixture away to Trabzonspor. Osimhen could reportedly feature if required, although it remains unclear whether he would be included in the starting lineup.

The Trabzonspor fixture could therefore serve as an important assessment of Osimhen’s fitness ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON qualifying campaign.

Nigeria are scheduled to host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The fixtures form part of Group L, which also features Tanzania. However, Tanzania have automatic qualification as one of the co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, leaving Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau to contest the remaining qualifying places in the group.

Osimhen’s fitness is expected to remain a major talking point as the Super Eagles prepare for the two important fixtures, with the formal invitation confirming Nigeria’s intention to have the Galatasaray forward available if he is cleared to play.