Super Eagles Hit By Fresh Setback As Osimhen, Onuachu Face AFCON Qualifier Doubts

Nigeria’s Super Eagles could be without key forwards Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu for the country’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau later this month.

Osimhen, who plays for Turkish champions Galatasaray, sustained a groin injury during his side’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4. The striker opened the scoring before being forced off in the 33rd minute.

Galatasaray subsequently confirmed that medical examinations revealed a moderate-to-advanced strain, accompanied by bleeding, in the 27-year-old’s right adductor muscle.

The club said Osimhen has commenced treatment, but no definite timeframe was immediately provided for his return to action.

Onuachu also suffered an injury while featuring for Trabzonspor in their 5-0 victory over Gençlerbirligi. The forward scored twice before leaving the pitch in the 44th minute following a challenge that reportedly resulted in an injury to his chin.

The fitness concerns have increased pressure on Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who is already dealing with several injury setbacks ahead of the qualifiers.

Nigeria are scheduled to host Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later. Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON, is also in Nigeria’s Group L.

Several other Super Eagles players are reportedly unavailable due to injuries, including Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar, Tochukwu Nnadi and Zaidu Sanusi.

Osimhen’s potential absence would represent a major concern for Nigeria, given his importance to the team’s attack. The Galatasaray forward has made an impressive start to the club season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in four appearances.

A prolonged injury layoff could also affect Osimhen’s pursuit of Nigeria’s all-time goalscoring record. The striker currently has 35 international goals, two behind the late Rashidi Yekini’s record of 37.