Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have suffered a major setback after Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu picked up injuries ahead of the Super Eagles’ opening matches later this month.
Osimhen sustained a groin injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir. The striker scored the opening goal but was forced off after just 33 minutes, raising concerns over his availability for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.
Galatasaray subsequently confirmed that medical examinations revealed an advanced-moderate strain, including bleeding, in Osimhen’s right adductor muscle. The Turkish champions said the player’s treatment process was already underway.
Onuachu also joined Nigeria’s growing injury list after being substituted in the 44th minute of Trabzonspor’s 5-0 victory over Gençlerbirligi. The Nigerian forward had enjoyed an impressive outing, scoring twice before leaving the pitch. Reports also indicated that he suffered a chin injury during a challenge.
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The latest setbacks present a major headache for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who is preparing the team for two important Group L qualifying matches.
Nigeria will begin its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The injury concerns extend beyond Osimhen and Onuachu, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar, Tochukwu Nnadi and Zaidu Sanusi also reportedly recovering from recent knocks.
Osimhen’s potential absence would be particularly significant for Nigeria. The Galatasaray forward has established himself as one of the team’s most important attacking players and is currently on 35 international goals, just two behind Nigeria’s all-time leading scorer, the late Rashidi Yekini, who scored 37.
The striker has also made an impressive start to the club season, registering six goals and two assists in four matches.
Chelle will now hope the injured players recover quickly as Nigeria seeks a strong start to its AFCON qualifying campaign.
