Osimhen to Miss Super Eagles’ AFCON Qualifiers After Knee Surgery

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria's November international fixtures after Galatasaray confirmed that he will undergo surgery on a left knee injury.

The Turkish champions announced on Friday that the 27-year-old sustained a sprain in his left knee during their UEFA Champions League match against VfB Stuttgart and is scheduled for surgery on Saturday.

His absence means he will miss Nigeria's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, including the opening match of the November double-header against Tanzania on Friday, November 13.

Another Injury Setback for Nigeria

Osimhen's latest injury is another setback for the Super Eagles, who have also lost winger Samuel Chukwueze for the same international fixtures.

AC Milan confirmed on Wednesday that Chukwueze had undergone successful surgery in London to repair a ruptured tensor fasciae latae tendon in his left hip.

Osimhen has also dealt with fitness problems earlier in the qualifying campaign, when he was injured during the first phase of the competition. Nigeria recorded a 2-1 victory over Madagascar before suffering a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau.

Osimhen's Impressive Scoring Form

The striker's injury comes at a time when he has been in outstanding form for Galatasaray. He has scored nine goals and provided three assists in eight league appearances this season.

He has needed just 555 minutes to reach his nine-goal tally, averaging a goal every 62 minutes. Osimhen scored twice in Galatasaray's 2-1 victory over Fenerbahce on October 26 and also found the net in their 4-0 win away to Konyaspor last Friday.

He is currently level with fellow Nigerian striker Gift Orban at the top of the Turkish league scoring chart, with both players having nine goals.

Galatasaray Face Top-of-the-Table Clash

Osimhen will also miss Galatasaray's Saturday league encounter against Amedspor at Rams Park in Istanbul.

The fixture brings together the top two teams in the standings. Galatasaray lead with 25 points from 10 matches, while Amedspor are second with 23 points. A victory for Amedspor would take them to 26 points and move them above the Turkish champions.

Galatasaray head into the match on a five-game winning run in all competitions, including a 2-0 home victory over Stuttgart on Tuesday. However, they will also be without captain Abdulkerim Bardakci, who is suspended following his red card against Fenerbahce.

With Osimhen sidelined, Orban has an opportunity to move clear at the top of the scoring chart. The 24-year-old, who is on loan from Hoffenheim, has recorded nine goals and four assists in 10 league appearances.

Punch Newspapers