Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.

The Super Eagles are preparing for the opening fixtures of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign during the September-October FIFA international window.

The Super Eagles are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and co-hosts Tanzania.

Nigeria’s opening fixtures include a home encounter with Madagascar and an away clash against Guinea-Bissau.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Promise Efoghe, Super Eagles media officer, confirmed that the Galatasaray forward would miss the qualifiers as his recovery from a muscle strain continues.

“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected,” Mr Efoghe said  on Sunday.

He  said Osimhen was initially included in Nigeria’s squad after Galatasaray and the Super Eagles technical crew expected him to recover in time.

The striker was expected to feature against Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig before joining the Super Eagles for the international window.

However, his absence from Galatasaray’s match confirmed that he remains unfit for competitive action and will not feature for Nigeria.

“His absence from tonight’s match confirms Galatasaray’s correspondence to Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle that the striker is still recovering,” Mr Efoghe said.

“He will not be ready for Nigeria’s matches,” the media officer added.

Osimhen’s absence leaves Nigeria without one of its leading attacking options as the Super Eagles begin preparations for their AFCON qualifying campaign.

The development also leaves head coach Eric Chelle with the task of reshaping his attack ahead of the opening qualifiers.

Osimhen has established himself as one of Nigeria’s key attacking players and a regular source of goals for the national team.

His unavailability means Chelle must now turn to other attacking options for the crucial qualifying fixtures.

Nigeria have several forwards capable of playing centrally or from wide positions, but Osimhen’s absence removes a major centre-forward option.

Osimhen’s inclusion in the original squad was based on expectations that he would recover before the international window.

His proposed appearance against Trabzonspor was expected to provide a key indication of his readiness to return to competitive football.

His failure to feature has now confirmed that the striker requires more time to complete his recovery.

The Super Eagles technical staff will therefore proceed without him rather than risk an early return that could affect his rehabilitation.

For the NFF and the Super Eagles, the immediate priority is to prepare adequately for the qualifiers while Osimhen continues his recovery.

There is no indication that Osimhen’s absence is permanent, with the striker continuing rehabilitation from the muscle strain.

 (NAN)