Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is a major doubt for Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches after Galatasaray confirmed that he has suffered a groin injury.
The 27-year-old striker was forced off after just 33 minutes of Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on Friday after appearing to suffer discomfort in his inner thigh.
Osimhen had earlier given Galatasaray the lead with a stunning effort in the 17th minute, striking from outside the box with the ball cannoning off the crossbar and over the goal line.
However, his night was cut short when he was substituted and helped off the pitch by club medical staff.
Galatasaray, in an injury update released after medical examinations, said scans revealed an “advanced-moderate level strain (bleeding and strain)” in Osimhen’s right adductor muscle group.
“Following the completion of MR and advanced examinations at our sponsor Acıbadem Hospital, advanced-moderate level strain (bleeding and strain) has been detected in the right adductor (groin) muscle group of our footballer Victor Osimhen,” the club said.
The Turkish champions added that Osimhen’s treatment has commenced but did not provide a specific timeframe for his recovery.
The injury could come as a concern for Nigeria, with the Super Eagles set to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign later this month.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Madagascar on September 25 before taking on Guinea-Bissau four days later, leaving Osimhen with limited time to recover and regain full fitness.
Groin injuries can take several weeks to heal depending on their severity, meaning the striker could be involved in a race against time to be fit for either or both of Nigeria’s opening qualifiers.
Osimhen’s availability will therefore depend on his recovery and the assessment of Galatasaray’s medical team in the coming weeks, with the Super Eagles hoping their leading striker can return in time to lead the attack.