NFF TURNS DOWN GALATASARAY REQUEST TO REST INJURED OSIMHEN

The Nigeria Football Federation has rejected a request from Turkish champions Galatasaray asking that Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen be exempted from Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches. The club reportedly wanted the forward to use the international break to complete his recovery from a groin injury rather than join up with the national team.

Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4. He scored in the match before being substituted in the 33rd minute, with medical examinations later showing a moderate-to-advanced strain accompanied by bleeding in the right groin area. The club subsequently began treatment and expected the striker to return after the international break.

Despite his injury situation, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle included Osimhen in his 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers. The official squad also includes captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Semi Ajayi, midfielder Alex Iwobi and forwards Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon. The inclusion means Osimhen remains part of Nigeria’s plans, although his ability to actually play will depend on his fitness and medical assessment.

Nigeria are scheduled to begin their qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25. Four days later, the Super Eagles will travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29. Both matches are in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifying series, with Tanzania also in the group.

Galatasaray’s request was made amid concerns over Osimhen’s recovery and the possibility of him returning to competitive action before he is fully fit. The striker has already missed recent club matches because of the injury, including Galatasaray’s league meeting with Trabzonspor on Saturday. With the NFF rejecting the request, Osimhen remains available for Nigeria’s international assignment, but his eventual participation in the qualifiers will ultimately depend on his recovery and fitness ahead of the matches.