Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen is expected to be sidelined for a significant period due to a thigh strain sustained while representing Galatasaray in their 3-3 draw against Kasimpasa last weekend.
Osimhen registered his first goals for Galatasaray in that match, netting a brace. However, the Nigeria international exited the pitch at halftime due to a muscular issue, which now appears to be more serious than initially assessed.
According to reports from Italian media, the injury to the reigning CAF Player of the Year is considered quite serious and could keep him sidelined for approximately six weeks. His return is not anticipated before mid-November.
Osimhen set to miss Super Eagles AFCON qualifiers
This unfortunate development stands in stark contrast to Osimhen's statement following the match, in which he claimed that the injury was not as serious as initially feared.
“It’s not a serious injury,” he had said. “I felt a bit of discomfort and thought it was best to inform my coach.
“It would have been bad if I had stayed on and put the team at a disadvantage. I didn’t want my performance to affect the rest of the team, so I spoke to Mauro [Icardi] and the coach, which is why I was subbed off.
The 25-year-old has since been excluded from Galatasaray's squad for the upcoming Europa League match against Latvian side RFS on Thursday night.
Osimhen's injury also means he will be unable to participate in Nigeria's upcoming qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers (AFCON 2025).
The Super Eagles will host Libya on Friday, October 11, with the reverse fixture set to take place at the Martyrs of Benina Stadium in Libya on October 15.
Osimhen scored when Nigeria secured a 3-0 victory over Benin in the first matchday of the qualifiers, which took place last month.
