Osimhen ruled out: 4 Super Eagles players who must step up against Tanzania

The Super Eagles have suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying doubleheader against Tanzania, with star striker Victor Osimhen ruled out through injury.

The Galatasaray forward picked up the injury during his side’s 2-0 victory over Stuttgart in the UEFA Champions League at Rams Park in midweek. 

Osimhen has undergone surgery and is expected to spend around three to four weeks on the sidelines, effectively ruling him out of both fixtures against Tanzania.

Acıbadem Sağlık Raporu | Victor Osimhen

UEFA Şampiyonlar Ligi’nde VfB Stuttgart ile oynadığımız karşılaşmada sol dizinde esneme oluşan ve yapılan MR tetkiklerinde serbest fragman tespit edilen oyuncumuz Victor Osimhen için yarın Maslak Acıbadem Hastanesi’nde kulüp doktorumuz… pic.twitter.com/8PkRWNfB8q

— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) November 6, 2026

His absence represents a huge blow for head coach Eric Chelle, who would have been hoping to count on the striker’s goals and experience in two important matches for Nigeria.

Osimhen was also unavailable during the previous qualifying window because of injury, missing the games against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. 

His absence was very noticeable in Nigeria’s disappointing defeat to Guinea-Bissau, as the Super Eagles struggled to find the cutting edge in attack.

With their leading goalscorer unavailable once again, the responsibility will now fall on other players to step up and help Nigeria get the results they need.

Four Super Eagles players who must take advantage of Osimhen’s absence vs Tanzania

1. Kelechi Iheanacho

Kelechi Iheanacho could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Osimhen’s absence, with the Bursaspor forward having a strong case for a return to the Super Eagles squad.

The 30-year-old has enjoyed an impressive run of form, recording 17 goals and four assists in 14 appearances, including a remarkable run of 12 consecutive games in which he found the back of the net.

Iheanacho also showed what he could offer Nigeria during his return to international action against Russia in a friendly game last month, scoring in the 3-3 draw after spending around several months away from the national team.

His goalscoring ability, and experience in front of goal could make him an important option for Chelle as he looks to replace Osimhen’s attacking threat.

With Nigeria needing goals from their remaining qualifiers, Iheanacho must bring his impressive club form into the national team and take responsibility in the final third. If given the opportunity, he will need to provide the kind of clinical finishing that could help the Super Eagles secure maximum points.

2. Ademola Lookman

Ademola Lookman is another player who must take more responsibility in Osimhen’s absence. The Atletico Madrid forward has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most important attacking players due to his ability to create chances, take on defenders and contribute goals.

However, his recent performances for the Super Eagles have not been inspiring, and he will need to produce a much-improved display against Tanzania.

Lookman must also put his difficult club form behind him and rediscover the confidence and attacking sharpness that made him one of Africa’s most dangerous forwards.

With Osimhen unavailable, Nigeria will need Lookman to take on a greater attacking responsibility and help fill the attacking void left by their injured striker.

3. Alex Iwobi

Alex Iwobi’s contribution could be very important in helping Nigeria cope with Osimhen’s absence.

The Fulham midfielder has been one of the most consistent players in the Premier League this season, featuring in all of his club’s league matches and establishing himself as an important part of their midfield.

His creativity has also been impressive, with Iwobi ranking among the Premier League’s leading playmakers this season.

That quality will be crucial for the Super Eagles, especially with their main attacking reference point unavailable.

Without Osimhen’s movement and ability to stretch opposition defences, Nigeria will need their midfielders to find alternative ways of creating opportunities. Iwobi’s vision, passing range and ability to operate between the lines could help provide that attacking spark.

4. Akor Adams

Akor Adams could also have an important role to play if he makes Chelle’s squad for the Tanzania doubleheader.

The Venezia striker is another option Nigeria can turn to in the absence of Osimhen, although he will need to convince the coach that he can handle the responsibility of leading the attack.

Adams has not enjoyed the most convincing run of form at club level recently, but his quality upfront could offer Nigeria a different attacking dimension.

However, he must do more if selected and must make better use of scoring opportunities, showing that he can be trusted to deliver when Nigeria need him.

With Osimhen unavailable, this could be an opportunity for Adams to establish himself as a reliable attacking option for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria will face Tanzania in the first leg of their AFCON 2027 qualifying doubleheader on November 13, before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture four days later.