Victor Osimhen: Injury upon insult for Super Eagles as talisman faces lengthy spell out

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has been confirmed to have sustained a hamstring injury during Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup playoff clash against DR Congo on Sunday night. 

The striker, who started the match, appeared to clutch his hamstring late in the first half and was substituted at the start of the second half. Nigeria eventually lost 4-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw, ending their hopes of World Cup qualifications.

Upon returning to Istanbul, Osimhen underwent an MRI at the Acıbadem Hospital, with Galatasaray confirming that he suffered a moderate strain with bleeding in the left posterior muscle. 

Acıbadem Sağlık Raporu | Victor Osimhen

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— Galatasaray SK (@GalatasaraySK) November 19, 2025

The club immediately began treatment but has not provided a firm recovery date. Hamstring strains of this severity typically require 3 to 6 weeks of rest, rehabilitation, and gradual reintegration into training, depending on the player’s response to therapy.

Nigeria sweating on Victor Osimhen’s availability for AFCON 2025

The injury comes at a crucial time for both Galatasaray and the Nigerian national team. Osimhen has been in strong form this season, netting nine goals in 12 appearances across all competitions. 

The 26-year-old is also expected to miss the upcoming CAF Awards ceremony, where he is shortlisted for the African Player of the Year alongside Mohamed Salah and Achraf Hakimi.

With the Africa Cup of Nations kicking off on December 21, four weeks away, Nigeria’s coaching staff will be closely monitoring Osimhen’s recovery. If his rehabilitation goes smoothly, he may return in time for the tournament, but there is a significant risk that he could miss the early matches.

Both fans and officials are hoping the forward can regain full fitness, as his presence is central to the Super Eagles’ ambitions in Morocco.