Victor Osimhen injury: 3 Super Eagles players who could benefit most from his absence

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen suffered a muscle strain while in action for Galatasaray during their Turkish Süper Lig clash against Istanbul Başakşehir on Friday, Afrik-Foot reports.

​While the full severity of the injury has not yet been confirmed, early signs offer encouragement. The forward was seen moving freely minutes after the final whistle without any protective strapping, fueling optimism that he may avoid an extended spell on the sidelines.

🚨 Victor Osimhen: Hiç birşeyim yok, kendimi riske atmak istemedim. Sporting Lizbon maçında hocamız uygun görürse sahada olmak istiyorum. pic.twitter.com/M4aWhGxmR8

— Ahmet 🦁⚖️ (@Ahmetturgay67) September 5, 2026

A strong start is important, particularly with only a single qualification spot up for grabs in their group.

​Nevertheless, his availability for Nigeria’s opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers remains in serious doubt. The Super Eagles return to action on September 23 and 27 against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

​Osimhen’s presence invariably elevates the Super Eagles, making his potential absence a major blow. However, it also opens the door for other Nigerian forwards eager to prove their worth on the international stage.

​Here are three strikers who could capitalize on the opportunity:

Three Players Who Could Benefit From Victor Osimhen’s Absence

1. Kelechi Iheanacho

Nobody has timed a goalscoring resurgence better than Kelechi Iheanacho. The experienced forward has made a flying start to the new season, finding the net six times in his opening five league appearances for Bursaspor.

His current form gives Chelle a good reason to consider him for a bigger role, particularly with Osimhen potentially unavailable.

Iheanacho also brings something that cannot be manufactured quickly, ad that is international experience. He has played at major tournaments and knows what is expected of him in a Super Eagles shirt.

If Osimhen misses the September qualifiers, Iheanacho could move from being a squad option to one of Nigeria’s most important attacking players.

2. Tolu Arokodare

Ajax star Arokodare is arguably the player with the most to gain in the longer term.

The 25-year-old has been out of the roster for a while due to his poor form at Wolves, but he is already pushing his way into the Super Eagles conversation. His move to Ajax has provided another platform to prove that he belongs at international level.

His start in the Netherlands has been encouraging, with the striker registering five goals and one assist in his last four games. Osimhen’s absence could give Arokodare more responsibility with Nigeria and, crucially, more time to show Chelle what he can offer.

A strong showing during the qualifiers would not necessarily make him Osimhen’s replacement, but it could make him a much more established part of Chelle’s plans.

3. Moses Usor

Moses Usor is a different proposition, but that is precisely why Osimhen’s absence could benefit him.

The young attacker has been attracting attention with his performances for Austrian side LASK, and has already entered the conversation around Chelle’s attacking options.

Although Usor is not a direct replacement for Osimhen, the striker’s absence could create more opportunities for Nigeria’s other attacking players to take responsibility. He has never been called up to the Super Eagles squad, but with what has shown in Austria, he certainly deserves a look in.

Usor can operate from either wing, a great dribbler, and has an immense work rate. He could become a key player for Nigeria in the coming years.