By Dorcas Francis Koji
Nigeria could be without two of its key attacking options when the Super Eagles begin their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign later this month, with Victor Osimhen and Paul Onuachu both facing injury concerns.
Osimhen sustained a groin injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir, while Onuachu was forced off shortly before half-time after scoring twice in Trabzonspor’s emphatic 5-0 win over Gençlerbirligi.
Osimhen opened the scoring for Galatasaray but was unable to continue beyond the 33rd minute before being substituted.
Galatasaray subsequently confirmed that medical examinations revealed a moderate-to-advanced strain in the striker’s right adductor muscle group, with bleeding detected in the affected area.
The club also confirmed a similar injury to midfielder Mario Lemina, with both players beginning treatment.
Onuachu, meanwhile, was withdrawn in the 44th minute of Trabzonspor’s impressive victory after making a major contribution with a brace. Reports indicated that the Nigerian striker suffered a chin injury during a challenge.
The latest setbacks add to a growing injury list for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle as Nigeria prepare for two crucial September qualifiers.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar, Tochukwu Nnadi and Zaidu Sanusi are also among the Nigerian players who have recently suffered injuries, further complicating Chelle’s preparations.
Nigeria are scheduled to open their Group L campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
With Tanzania already guaranteed qualification as one of the co-hosts, Nigeria will need to finish as the highest-ranked team among the remaining sides in the group to secure their place at the 2027 AFCON.
Osimhen’s potential absence would represent a major blow to the Super Eagles, particularly given his importance in attack and his current form for Galatasaray.
The 27-year-old has already scored six goals and registered two assists in four appearances for the Turkish champions this season.
His absence could also temporarily halt his pursuit of Nigeria’s all-time goalscoring record.
Osimhen has scored 35 goals for the Super Eagles, leaving him just two goals behind legendary striker Rashidi Yekini, who remains Nigeria’s record scorer with 37 international goals.
Chelle and the Super Eagles medical team will now hope the two forwards recover quickly enough to play a part in the opening qualifiers, with Nigeria aiming to make a strong start to their road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
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