Victor Osimhen remains a doubt for Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers, despite Galatasaray receiving a formal invitation for the striker to join the Super Eagles for their matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The latest development comes as Nigeria prepare to begin their qualification campaign, with Osimhen’s fitness now an important factor ahead of the September international fixtures.

The forward sustained a right groin injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4, leaving his availability for Nigeria uncertain.

Key Takeaways

• Galatasaray have received a formal invitation for Victor Osimhen to join Nigeria for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers.
• Osimhen suffered a right groin injury during Galatasaray’s win over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4.
• Galatasaray’s medical tests showed a moderate-to-advanced strain with bleeding in the right groin area.
• A later report from Galatasaray insider Ali Naci Küçük said the club expects Osimhen to travel for the Trabzonspor match.
• Nigeria are scheduled to face Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to play Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Osimhen’s Nigeria Invitation Comes Amid Fitness Doubt

Galatasaray have received an invitation for Osimhen to join Nigeria for the country’s opening matches in the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

However, the striker’s participation remains uncertain because of the groin problem he sustained earlier this month.

Galatasaray insider Ali Naci Küçük reported the invitation as Nigeria prepare for their first AFCON qualifying matches since missing out on the 2026 World Cup.

For now, Osimhen’s fitness will determine whether he is able to join Eric Chelle’s squad.

What Happened To Victor Osimhen?

Osimhen picked up the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring after 16 minutes but was forced off in the 33rd minute after sustaining the injury.

Galatasaray subsequently carried out medical examinations to determine the extent of the problem.

The club reported that the tests showed a moderate-to-advanced strain with bleeding in the right groin area.

Treatment was started, while Galatasaray initially indicated that Osimhen was expected to return after the international break.

That update appeared to put his involvement in Nigeria’s September qualifiers in doubt.

Galatasaray’s Latest Position On Osimhen’s Fitness

The situation has since developed further.

Küçük reported that Galatasaray expect Osimhen to travel with the team for their league match away to Trabzonspor.

The striker could feature if required, although Küçük did not indicate whether Osimhen would start the match.

That fixture therefore provides another point of attention as questions continue over the striker’s fitness ahead of Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers.

The latest report does not confirm that Osimhen will be available for Nigeria. His actual condition and involvement with Galatasaray remain central to determining whether he can link up with the national team.

Why Osimhen’s Availability Matters For Nigeria

Nigeria are preparing to begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign, making Osimhen’s fitness an important part of the team’s preparations.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to open their campaign against Madagascar before facing Guinea-Bissau four days later.

With the invitation already received by Galatasaray, the immediate issue is no longer whether Nigeria want Osimhen involved, but whether his fitness will allow him to join the squad.

The information currently available leaves that question unresolved.

Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 Qualifying Fixtures

Nigeria will begin their campaign against Madagascar on September 25.

The match is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo.

Four days later, Nigeria will travel to face Guinea-Bissau.

Those two matches will form the opening part of Nigeria’s Group L qualifying campaign.

Group L Qualification Context

Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau are competing in Group L, which also includes Tanzania.

According to the supplied report, Tanzania’s position is different because the country is one of the co-hosts of AFCON 2027 and therefore has automatic qualification.

That leaves Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau competing for the remaining qualifying places in the group.

Osimhen’s availability is therefore one of the squad questions surrounding Nigeria as the qualification campaign gets underway.

What Happens Next For Osimhen?

The next significant development could come from Galatasaray’s match away to Trabzonspor.

Küçük’s report indicates that Osimhen is expected to travel with the squad and could feature if required, but it does not establish whether he will play or start.

For Nigeria, the focus will remain on his fitness ahead of the September 25 meeting with Madagascar and the subsequent trip to Guinea-Bissau.

Until his condition is clearer, Osimhen’s involvement with the Super Eagles remains uncertain.

Victor Osimhen Injury Update — FAQ

Has Victor Osimhen been invited by Nigeria?

Yes. Galatasaray have received a formal invitation for Osimhen to join Nigeria for the country’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

What injury does Victor Osimhen have?

Osimhen suffered a right groin injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4.

What did Galatasaray’s medical tests show?

Galatasaray reported a moderate-to-advanced strain with bleeding in the right groin area and said treatment had begun.

Is Victor Osimhen fit for Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers?

His availability remains uncertain based on the supplied information. A later report said Galatasaray expect him to travel for the Trabzonspor match, where he could feature if required.

When will Nigeria play Madagascar?

Nigeria are scheduled to host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25.

When will Nigeria play Guinea-Bissau?

Nigeria are scheduled to travel to face Guinea-Bissau four days after the Madagascar fixture.

Which group is Nigeria in for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers?

Nigeria are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania.

What Comes Next?

Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign is approaching, but Victor Osimhen’s fitness remains the key unanswered question surrounding his potential involvement.

Galatasaray’s latest expectation that he could travel for the Trabzonspor fixture provides another opportunity to assess his status, while Nigeria await clarity ahead of their opening qualifier against Madagascar.

What do you think about Osimhen’s chances of being available for Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifier? Share your thoughts in the comments.