Super Eagles: Should Osimhen travel? 5 questions Chelle must answer before Madagascar

Victor Osimhen’s name is still in Nigeria’s plans for the September international window, but his availability for the Super Eagles’ opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier is far from certain, Afrik-Foot reports.

Galatasaray have received the formal invitation for the striker, according to club insider Ali Naci Küçük. That puts Osimhen in Eric Chelle’s selection process, but the invitation does not mean he has been cleared to play.

The 27-year-old injured his right groin during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Istanbul Başakşehir on September 4. He scored after 16 minutes before leaving in the 33rd minute. Galatasaray later described the injury as a moderate-to-advanced strain with bleeding.

It is not yet clear whether the Super Eagles striker is fit to return to action.

Questions Chelle must answer before Madagascar

Is Osimhen fit?

That is the first question Chelle needs answered.

Galatasaray initially expected Osimhen to return after the international break, which appeared to rule him out of Nigeria’s September fixtures. However, Küçük later reported that Galatasaray expected him to travel for the September 19 trip to Trabzonspor and could use him if necessary.

A later report said Galatasaray’s coaching staff were unlikely to risk him against Trabzonspor, even though he could technically be available.

That leaves Chelle waiting for a clear medical answer rather than simply a call-up.

Should he travel?

If Osimhen is fit enough to train but has not played since September 4, Chelle must decide whether taking him to camp helps Nigeria or creates another risk.

Nigeria play Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 at 4pm, then travel to Bissau for Guinea-Bissau four days later.

That short gap makes fitness even more important. A player who is only partly ready could struggle to handle two competitive matches.

Should he start?

Even if Osimhen passes his medical tests, starting him against Madagascar would be a separate decision.

A short substitute appearance could be safer than asking him to lead the attack for 70 or 80 minutes. Chelle must balance Nigeria’s need for goals with the risk of turning a healing groin injury into a longer absence.

The decision could also depend on whether Osimhen gets any club minutes before joining Nigeria.

Who replaces him if unavailable?

Chelle has several options. Tolu Arokodare has started the season with Ajax and scored against PSV and Telstar in the Eredivisie. Kelechi Iheanacho has also been in strong form at Bursaspor, with seven goals and two assists in six league matches.

Then there is George Ilenikhena. The 20-year-old Al-Ittihad striker scored twice against Al-Nassr on September 5 and added another goal against Al-Fayha three days later. He then provided two assists against Al-Faisaly on September 11.

Paul Onuachu is another option, although his own injury scare has added to Chelle’s selection problems. He later received positive news after Trabzonspor said his injury was not serious.

How does Chelle change Nigeria’s attack?

Osimhen gives Nigeria a clear focal point: runs behind defenders, aerial power, physical strength and a constant threat inside the penalty area.

Without him, Chelle could use a different type of attack. Arokodare offers size and hold-up play, Iheanacho can drop deeper and link attacks, while Ilenikhena brings pace and movement.

Chelle may also lean more heavily on Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon to create chances around the striker.

Nigeria cannot afford a slow start after missing the 2026 World Cup. The Madagascar game is the first step in a new AFCON campaign, and Chelle’s Osimhen decision could shape how the Super Eagles attack from the opening whistle.