Osimhen’s fitness in doubt as Super Eagles prepare for World Cup qualifiers

By Olaolu Joseph

Nigeria could miss the services of lethal striker Victor Osimhen for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers, according to information emerging from his Turkish club, Galatasaray.

According to the team’s doctor, Yener İnce, the forward’s current health condition is concerning.

Osimhen was in action for Galatasaray against fierce rivals Fenerbahçe in a Turkish Super League match played on Monday.

He picked up a yellow card in the fiercely contested encounter, where he registered only one shot with no assists or goals, as the match ended goalless.

Osimhen was substituted in the 89th minute, and the team doctor later confirmed that his removal was due to an injury sustained during the match.

According to a report from the Turkish media, the team doctor provided an initial statement on the injury, saying, “Yes, he suffered an injury to his foot.”

Dr. Yener emphasized that the full extent of the injury would be determined by Wednesday.

“We will see; it will be clear tomorrow,” he added.

The Nigerian forward has been instrumental to Galatasaray’s title charge, scoring 14 goals in 19 league matches and providing four assists since joining the team in the summer.

Depending on the severity of his injury, the Super Eagles coach may need to find an alternative plan ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, which resume in March. Nigeria is scheduled to face Rwanda and Zimbabwe in rounds five and six of the African qualifiers.

Osimhen is currently the Super Eagles’ highest active goal scorer, with only the legendary Rashidi Yekini scoring more goals in the team’s history.

Nigeria, with three draws and one loss after four matches, must win all six remaining games in Group C to stand a chance of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.