AFCON 2027Q: Osimhen ruled out of Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau games

The Super Eagles have confirmed Victor Osimhen will miss the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau games.

Osimhen sustained a muscle strain injury in Galatasaray’s 3-2 away win at Istanbul Başakşehir on September 4.

The 27-year-old has not made an appearance for the Yellow and Reds since then.

The striker was, however, named in Nigeria’s squad for the games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau by head coach, Éric Chelle despite the setback.

Chelle was hopeful the former Napoli star would recover in time for the upcoming games.

Osimhen’s recovery has, however, been slower than expected prompting the decision to exempt him from the matches.

Nigeria will host the Barea of Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo on Thursday.

The three-time African champions will then travel to Bissau for a matchday two encounter Guinea-Bissau’s Djurtus four days later.