Galatasaray have confirmed that Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has been called up for the Super Eagles’ opening two matches of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Osimhen’s inclusion comes while the forward is recovering from an injury sustained during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir earlier this month.
The Turkish champions said Osimhen had suffered an injury to his right adductor muscle and had subsequently begun treatment. Despite that setback, the striker has been included by Nigeria as the team prepares to start its qualifying campaign.
Nigeria will open their Group L programme against Madagascar on 25 September before travelling to play Guinea-Bissau four days later on 29 September.
The two fixtures are the first rounds of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with the Super Eagles beginning their attempt to secure a place at the finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Turkish football journalist Ali Naci Küçük had previously reported that Osimhen and his Galatasaray team-mate Rafael Leão had received invitations from their respective national teams.
“Victor Osimhen and Rafael Leão have been called up to their national teams.”
Osimhen remains a key part of Nigeria coach Eric Chelle’s plans as the Super Eagles begin their qualifying campaign.
The striker had made an encouraging start to the new season with Galatasaray before his injury. He scored during the club’s 3-2 win against Basaksehir, but was subsequently forced to undergo further medical examinations after suffering the adductor problem.
His call-up means Nigeria have retained one of their principal attacking options for the opening stage of their qualification campaign, although his recovery will remain an important consideration before the matches.
Chelle is expected to name several established players when he finalises his squad for the two qualifiers, as Nigeria look to make a strong beginning to their campaign.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group L with Madagascar, Tanzania and Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania are co-hosts of the 2027 tournament and therefore have a place at the finals, leaving the highest-ranked team outside Tanzania in the group to qualify.
Nigeria’s first assignment will be against Madagascar on 25 September, followed by the away match against Guinea-Bissau on 29 September.
The timing of Osimhen’s call-up comes after a busy start to his season at club level. His goal against Basaksehir had added to his early contribution for Galatasaray, but the injury has interrupted his progress and led to treatment.
For Nigeria, his availability could be particularly important as the side begins a new qualifying cycle under Chelle. The coach is looking to make a positive start, with the opening fixtures providing the first opportunity for the Super Eagles to build momentum in Group L.
Galatasaray’s confirmation of the call-up provides clarity over Nigeria’s plans for the striker, although his condition remains relevant following the injury.
Osimhen’s recovery will now be closely followed ahead of Nigeria’s opening match against Madagascar and the subsequent trip to Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles’ objective is to finish as the highest-ranked qualifying team in their group apart from co-host Tanzania. Their campaign begins with two matches in four days, making the fitness of key players such as Osimhen an important issue as Chelle prepares his squad.
With the 2027 finals scheduled to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, Nigeria’s qualification campaign starts with Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau before the remaining Group L fixtures.
For now, Osimhen remains part of Chelle’s plans despite the injury that has kept him under treatment at Galatasaray.
