Nigeria’s Super Eagles have suffered a major injury setback after striker Victor Osimhen was ruled out of the country’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Tanzania following confirmation that he will undergo surgery on his left knee.
The development comes after his Turkish club, Galatasaray, announced on Friday that the Nigerian international sustained a knee injury during their UEFA Champions League encounter against German side VfB Stuttgart.
According to the club, medical examinations revealed a strain in Osimhen’s left knee, while subsequent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans detected a loose body within the joint. The findings prompted doctors to recommend arthroscopic knee surgery, scheduled for Saturday at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital in Istanbul.
The procedure will be performed by Galatasaray’s club doctor, Yener İnce.
Osimhen’s injury means he will miss Nigeria’s November international fixtures, dealing another significant blow to head coach Eric Chelle as he prepares his team for a crucial double-header against Tanzania.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to host the Taifa Stars in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Tanzania for the return fixture on November 17.
The 27-year-old’s absence is particularly concerning given his importance to Nigeria’s attacking setup and his impressive performances for Galatasaray this season.
Osimhen has scored nine goals and provided three assists in eight Turkish Super Lig appearances, requiring just 555 minutes to reach his goal tally. His scoring form has made him one of the most productive forwards in the Turkish top flight.
He was also instrumental in Galatasaray’s 2-1 victory over Fenerbahce in the Istanbul derby on October 26, scoring both goals before finding the net again in their 4-0 victory over Konyaspor.
The latest setback is not the first time Osimhen’s fitness has disrupted Nigeria’s preparations during the current qualifying campaign. He previously missed the opening phase of the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after suffering a right adductor muscle injury.
His absence leaves Chelle with the responsibility of finding an effective attacking alternative for the two encounters against Tanzania.
Nigeria will also be without winger Samuel Chukwueze, who recently underwent successful surgery in London to repair a ruptured tendon in his left hip, further reducing the team’s attacking options.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray will equally feel Osimhen’s absence as they continue their domestic and European campaigns. The striker has been one of their leading performers this season, and his recovery will be important as the Turkish champions pursue their league and continental ambitions.
However, Galatasaray have yet to announce an official recovery timeline for the Nigerian forward following the planned operation.
For Nigeria, the immediate priority will be managing the attacking crisis and securing positive results against Tanzania while awaiting further updates on the fitness of one of their most influential players.
