Nigeria’s plans for the start of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have suffered a major blow.

Victor Osimhen will miss the Super Eagles’ upcoming qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after failing to recover in time from the injury he suffered earlier this month.

The Galatasaray striker was initially named in Eric Chelle’s squad despite the injury, with hopes that his recovery would allow him to join the national team.

But those hopes have now ended.

Osimhen suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s 3–2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir, where he found the back of the net before being forced off after just 33 minutes.

Medical examinations subsequently revealed a muscle injury involving his right adductor, leaving the striker facing a race against time to return to full fitness.

That race has now been lost.

🇳🇬 AWONIYI STEPS IN

With Osimhen officially ruled out, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has called up Taiwo Awoniyi as his replacement.

Awoniyi, who currently plays for Coventry City, has been drafted into the squad as Nigeria prepare for two important qualifying fixtures.

The Super Eagles confirmed the change, announcing that Awoniyi would replace the injured Osimhen.

It represents a major opportunity for the 28-year-old striker, who returns to the national team setup after a lengthy absence.

⚽ CAN NIGERIA COPE WITHOUT OSIMHEN?

Osimhen’s absence will undoubtedly change the look of Nigeria’s attack.

The striker has become one of the country’s most important attacking players, combining his pace, physical strength and movement to constantly trouble opposition defenders.

But Chelle still has attacking options at his disposal.

Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Samuel Chukwueze, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor are among the players available to the coach.

Now, attention turns to Awoniyi.

Can the Coventry City forward step up and fill the void left by Osimhen?

🇳🇬 SUPER EAGLES’ NEXT CHALLENGE

Nigeria will open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 in Uyo, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Two matches.

No Osimhen.

And a new opportunity for Awoniyi.

The Super Eagles will now have to begin their journey towards the 2027 AFCON without their star striker — while Awoniyi gets the chance to remind everyone why he remains part of Nigeria’s attacking plans.

The question now is simple: Can Taiwo Awoniyi rise to the occasion?

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