Galatasaray Raise Fitness Concerns Over Osimhen Ahead Of AFCON Qualifiers

Galatasaray have raised concerns over Victor Osimhen's fitness ahead of Nigeria's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Osimhen was included in Nigeria's 24-man squad announced by Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle for the qualifiers, despite still recovering from a right adductor injury. The striker sustained the injury during Galatasaray's 3 2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4 and has since missed the club's matches against Kocaelispor and Sporting Lisbon.

Galatasaray confirmed that Osimhen is continuing his treatment and will not feature in Saturday's Turkish Super Lig clash against Trabzonspor.

"Victor Osimhen, who is continuing his treatment, is not included in the squad for the Trabzonspor match," the club said in a statement.

The Nigerian forward had made a strong start to the season before the injury, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four league appearances. Despite his fitness concerns, the Nigeria Football Federation included Osimhen in the squad for the country's opening AFCON qualifying fixtures.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Osimhen's availability for the qualifiers will depend on his recovery and fitness assessment ahead of the matches.

Nigeria's Group L also includes Tanzania, who qualify automatically as one of the hosts of the 2027 AFCON.