Osimhen’s knee injury deals Super Eagles major blow ahead of Tanzania clashes
By Tosin Omojola
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is set to miss Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying double-header against Tanzania after sustaining a knee injury.
The Galatasaray forward is scheduled to undergo surgery on Saturday after picking up the injury during the Turkish champions’ UEFA Champions League clash with VfB Stuttgart on Tuesday.
Galatasaray confirmed on Friday that medical examinations, including an MRI scan, revealed a loose body in the 27-year-old’s left knee, necessitating arthroscopic surgery.
The procedure will be performed by the club’s medical team at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital, under the supervision of team doctor Yener İnce.
In a statement, Galatasaray also confirmed that the injury had ruled Osimhen out of Saturday’s domestic fixture against Amed S.F.
Although the club has yet to provide a definite recovery timeline, the planned surgery makes it unlikely that the Nigerian international will be fit for the Super Eagles’ upcoming international engagements.
Osimhen’s expected absence is a major setback for Nigeria, as head coach Eric Chelle will be without one of his most influential attacking players for the crucial encounters against Tanzania.
The Super Eagles will host the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on November 17.
Chelle will now have to find an alternative attacking option as Nigeria seek maximum points from both matches to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.
