Nigeria are facing a significant setback ahead of their November international fixtures, with striker Victor Osimhen expected to miss both of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Tanzania after suffering a fresh knee injury.
The 27-year-old Galatasaray forward has been diagnosed with a loose fragment in his left knee and is scheduled to undergo arthroscopic surgery in Istanbul on Saturday, 7 November.
The development is likely to rule him out of Nigeria’s training camp as head coach Eric Chelle prepares his squad for the two encounters, scheduled for 13 and 17 November.
Galatasaray confirmed the injury on Friday, 6 November, following an MRI scan conducted after their 2-0 Champions League victory over Stuttgart.
In a statement released by the Turkish club, it said the scan had identified a loose fragment in the striker’s knee after he experienced discomfort during the European fixture.
The club also confirmed that Osimhen would not feature in their upcoming match against Amed SK, with the decision taken to proceed with surgery.
The statement read:
“Acıbadem Sağlık Raporu | Victor Osimhen UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi’nde VfB Stuttgart ile oynadığımız karşılaşmada sol dizinde esneme oluşan ve yapılan MR tetkiklerinde serbest fragman tespit edilen oyuncumuz Victor Osimhen için yarın Maslak Acıbadem Hastanesi’nde kulüp doktorumuz Yener İnce tarafından yapılacak artroskopik diz cerrahisi planlanmıştır. Oyuncumuz bu nedenle yarın oynayacağımız Amed S. F. maçı kadrosundan çıkartılmıştır.”
Although Galatasaray have confirmed the planned procedure, the club have not provided an official timetable for his recovery. His availability for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures therefore remains highly doubtful.
Another injury setback for the Super Eagles
Osimhen’s latest injury represents another frustrating development for Nigeria, who could once again be forced to navigate an important qualifying period without their first-choice striker.
The forward was also unavailable for the Super Eagles’ September qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau because of a muscular injury.
His potential absence in November would leave Chelle without one of his most important attacking players as Nigeria look to strengthen their position in the race for qualification.
Osimhen has been in impressive form for Galatasaray this season, registering nine goals and three assists in eight appearances in the Turkish league. His attacking contribution has made him a key figure for the club, and his absence would be a considerable loss for the Nigerian national team.
Nigeria face important Tanzania double-header
The Super Eagles currently occupy second place in their qualifying group, having collected three points from their opening two matches.
They trail group leaders Guinea-Bissau, who have six points, and will be looking to make the most of their two meetings with Tanzania.
Nigeria are scheduled to welcome Tanzania to Uyo on 13 November before travelling for the return fixture on 17 November, just four days later.
The two matches present an important opportunity for the Super Eagles to improve their position in the group and strengthen their qualification prospects.
However, with Osimhen facing surgery and no confirmed return date, Chelle may have to find an alternative attacking solution for both encounters.
The striker’s recovery will now be closely monitored as Nigeria prepare for a challenging international window without the services of their leading centre-forward.
