Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after failing to recover from injury.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) informed the Super Eagles technical crew that the Galatasaray forward would not be available for the two fixtures as he continues treatment for the injury.

Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir on September 4. He scored the opening goal before being forced off in the 33rd minute.

Medical examinations subsequently revealed a strain affecting his right adductor muscle group, with the striker beginning treatment at the Turkish club.

The 27-year-old was initially included in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifiers, with hopes that he would recover in time to feature for both club and country.

However, Osimhen was left out of Galatasaray’s squad for Saturday’s Turkish Super Lig encounter with Trabzonspor, confirming that his recovery had taken longer than expected. Galatasaray had also communicated with Nigeria’s technical team about his condition.

Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

Osimhen’s absence leaves Chelle with other attacking options, including Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena, who received his first senior call-up for the qualifiers.

The injury comes after Osimhen made a strong start to the new season with Galatasaray, scoring six goals and providing two assists in his first four league appearances.

The striker will now continue his rehabilitation at Galatasaray, with his return to competitive action dependent on his recovery from the injury.