AFCON 2027: Awoniyi Replaces Injured Osimhen for Qualifiers

Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace injured Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The Nigeria Football Federation announced Awoniyi’s return to the Super Eagles on Sunday after confirming that Osimhen would miss the two matches because of a muscle injury.

Awoniyi, who recently joined newly promoted Coventry City from Nottingham Forest, returns to the national team after his last appearance in October 2024.

The 29-year-old striker has made 10 appearances for Nigeria since his senior international debut in 2021, scoring two goals.

His recall provides head coach Éric Chelle with an attacking option as the Super Eagles begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Osimhen had initially been included in Chelle’s 24-man squad after the technical team and Galatasaray hoped he would recover in time for the September international window.

However, the Galatasaray forward’s recovery from a muscle strain has taken longer than expected.

The striker suffered the injury during Galatasaray’s Turkish Süper Lig match against Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4. He scored before being substituted in the 33rd minute.

Medical examinations subsequently revealed a strain involving the right adductor muscle group, keeping him out of several club matches.

His absence from Galatasaray’s league fixture against Trabzonspor on September 19 confirmed that he was not ready to return for Nigeria’s qualifiers.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Awoniyi will join an attacking group that includes Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Samuel Chukwueze and Tolu Arokodare.

His return comes nearly two years after his previous appearance for Nigeria, when he featured against Libya in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.

Awoniyi was also part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2021 AFCON tournament in Cameroon, where he scored against Sudan during the group stage.

The striker will now compete with other forwards for a starting place as Chelle prepares the team for the opening fixtures.

Nigeria are grouped with Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania in the qualifiers. Tanzania, as a co-host, have automatic qualification for finals.