Super Eagles: Osimhen’s surprise return raises one big question for Eric Chelle

Victor Osimhen’s recovery has taken an unexpected turn, but the new development may not be enough to put him back in Nigeria’s squad for the September Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Afrik-Foot reports.

The striker suffered a right adductor injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win at Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4. He scored in the 16th minute before leaving in the 33rd minute after struggling with the problem.

Galatasaray’s medical team later diagnosed a moderate-to-advanced strain with bleeding in the groin area. The initial expectation was that the Nigeria international could miss about three weeks.

Osimhen’s race to return

Sporx now reports that intensive treatment has given Osimhen a chance of returning sooner than expected.

The 27-year-old could even join Galatasaray’s travelling squad for Saturday’s away match against Trabzonspor. The club expects him to train during the week if medical checks give him the green light.

Still, the Super Eagles star may not be ready for a full match. Galatasaray coach Okan Buruk said the club wants both Osimhen and Mario Lemina available against Trabzonspor, but will not use either player if their pain continues or their final checks are not positive.

Buruk pointed to a five-to-six-day window before the match, leaving Osimhen with very little time to prove that he can safely return.

That creates another question: if he makes the squad, would Galatasaray start him, use him for a short spell or keep him on the bench?

The decision carries a clear risk. A groin injury can worsen if a player returns before he is fully ready, potentially turning a short absence into a longer one.

What does this mean for Chelle?

Osimhen’s quicker recovery is good news for Eric Chelle, but it does not erase his September problem.

Nigeria’s first AFCON 2027 qualifier is against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, followed by an away game against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Galatasaray previously indicated that the former Napoli and Lille ace was expected to return after the international break, effectively ruling him out of those two matches. Chelle therefore has to look beyond this international window.

If Osimhen can return to competitive football safely before the next FIFA window, the Super Eagles coach will have an important selection decision to make in November. Nigeria’s next AFCON qualifiers are scheduled for November 9-17.

In the meantime, Chelle can call on the talents of Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi, Kelechi Iheanacho and George Ilenikhena to fire the Super Eagles to victories against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.