Osimhen scores again, but injury fears cause new concern for Super Eagles

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen had a mixed night for Galatasaray on Friday, scoring against İstanbul Başakşehir before being forced off with an injury that could raise concerns over his availability for Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Osimhen opened the scoring in the 17th minute with a stunning shot that put Galatasaray ahead.

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However, his night was cut short after he appeared to suffer a problem following a challenge on Christopher Operi in the 23rd minute. The Nigerian striker continued briefly but then felt the problem again after running behind the defense and signaling that he could not continue.

Osimhen was finally substituted in the 33rd minute, and Barış Alper Yılmaz came on in his place.

Initial reports describe the problem as a suspected muscle or groin injury, but there is currently no confirmed diagnosis or recovery timeline. Osimhen himself reportedly admitted after the incident that he did not yet know if the injury was serious.

The timing could be important for Nigeria.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to begin their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 23, before traveling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 27.

That leaves Nigeria with just under three weeks before the game with Madagascar, meaning Osimhen could still have time to recover if the injury proves minor. However, a major muscle strain or tear could put your participation in doubt.

For now, Osimhen is not ruled out for the Super Eagles’ next matches, and his availability will depend on new medical tests and his recovery in the coming days.

Therefore, the immediate concern for Nigeria will be the results of those assessments.

He scored a spectacular goal, but the biggest question tonight is whether Osimhen will be fit when Nigeria needs him most.