On loan to Turkish giants Galatasaray from Napoli, the Super Eagles’ top scorer suffered the injury in his side’s game against Kasimpasa, where he thrilled fans with a brace that included his debut goal for the club Reports.
Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the AFCON have been dealt a huge blow as star striker Victor Osimhen is out of the upcoming doubleheader against Libya due to injury.
His absence leaves interim Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen with the headaches of readjusting his attack ahead of the crucial qualifiers. The Super Eagles were looking at a strong return to AFCON and will have to make do without one of their most prolific forwards.
The 24-year-old forward was forced to sit out Galatasaray’s 2-2 UEFA Europa League draw against Latvian side FC RFS, further raising concerns about his fitness.
Per Turkish outlet A Spor, Galatasaray confirmed that Osimhen felt pain in the upper left posterior muscle during the Kasimpasa game and has subsequently been diagnosed with a strain and bleeding in the muscle group.
“The treatment of our football player Victor Osimhen, who felt pain in his upper left posterior muscle, has begun,” the club announced, noting he will undergo rehabilitation at Galatasaray’s sponsor hospital Medicana.
But the injury is not expected to be long-term. Reports have it that Osimhen could return to action following the international break, possibly making his comeback in Galatasaray’s Super Lig clash against Antalyaspor.
He will seek to name his replacement ahead of the crucial points against Libya. That is a bit of a blow; the Super Eagles will now hope to rally and keep their AFCON qualification campaign on track without Osimhen.
