Injury Blow For Super Eagles As Osimhen Faces Spell On Sidelines
By Saheed Afolabi
Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen is set to miss Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania after being ruled out with a knee injury.
The Galatasaray forward is scheduled to undergo surgery on Saturday after sustaining the injury during the Turkish champions’ UEFA Champions League clash with VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday.
Galatasaray confirmed on Friday that medical assessments, including an MRI scan, identified a loose body in the 27-year-old’s left knee, making arthroscopic surgery necessary.
The club’s medical team will perform the procedure at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital, with team doctor Yener İnce overseeing the operation.
In its official statement, Galatasaray explained that the injury had forced the Nigerian international out of the squad for Saturday’s domestic fixture against Amed S.F.
Although the club has yet to establish a definite recovery timeline, Osimhen’s impending surgery means he is unlikely to recover in time for Nigeria’s upcoming international assignments.
His absence represents a significant blow to the Super Eagles, who will be without one of their most influential attacking players for the crucial meetings with Tanzania.
Nigeria will welcome the Taifa Stars to the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, November 13, for their Matchday Three encounter before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on November 17.
Osimhen’s injury leaves head coach Eric Chelle with the task of finding an alternative attacking option as Nigeria seek maximum points from the two fixtures in their quest to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON.
