Victor Osimhen: Why Nigeria rejected Galatasaray request over AFCON 2027 qualifiers

Victor Osimhen and the Super Eagles are at the centre of a club-country dispute after Galatasaray reportedly asked Nigeria to leave the striker out of the September AFCON 2027 qualifiers, Afrik-Foot reports.

Nigeria reportedly rejected the request, keeping Osimhen in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad despite his recent groin injury.

The striker was hurt against Başakşehir on September 4 and has since missed Galatasaray matches, leaving the Turkish champions concerned about his recovery. Nigeria, however, have two important qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau and wants Osimhen available for assessment before deciding whether he can play.

Victor Osimhen: What Galatasaray asked Nigeria to do

Galatasaray reportedly contacted the Nigerian Football Federation and asked for Victor Osimhen to be excused from international duty during the September window so he could continue his recovery in Istanbul. The Turkish club wanted the striker rested throughout the international break after his injury against Başakşehir.

Osimhen scored in the 16th minute of Galatasaray’s 3-2 win at Başakşehir on September 4, but he left the pitch in the 33rd minute. The club’s medical department later confirmed pain and a strain in his right adductor, or groin, muscle and began treatment.

The injury forced Osimhen out of Galatasaray’s Champions League meeting with Sporting CP, while reports also said he was working individually rather than taking full part in team training.

Galatasaray therefore had a clear sporting reason to prefer that Osimhen stay in Turkey, particularly with the striker still working his way back from injury.

Victor Osimhen: Why Nigeria rejected the request

Chelle still selected Victor Osimhen in his 24-man squad for Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The NFF announced the squad on September 17, naming Osimhen alongside captain Wilfred Ndidi, Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi and Moses Simon, among several others.

Nigeria will face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to meet with Guinea-Bissau.

The qualifiers fall inside the opening AFCON 2027 qualifying window, which runs from September 21 to October 6. Nigeria’s campaign carries added importance because only the highest-ranked non-host nation in Group L will qualify directly, with co-host Tanzania already assured of a place at the tournament.

Keeping Osimhen in the squad also gives Chelle’s medical and technical staff the chance to assess him before deciding whether he can train or play.

His selection does not automatically mean he will start against Madagascar. He could report to camp, undergo further checks and then be ruled out if his injury has not healed sufficiently.

Why Osimhen is still important to the Super Eagles

Nigeria’s decision is also linked to what Victor Osimhen offers in attack. The striker has scored six goals in only four league games for Galatasaray before his injury, showing the goal threat Chelle wants available when Nigeria begins its AFCON campaign.

Osimhen gives the Super Eagles a forward who can attack space behind defenders, compete physically with centre-backs, press from the front and finish chances inside the penalty area.

Chelle has alternatives, with Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena included in the squad. Ilenikhena is one of three players receiving his first senior Nigeria call-up, alongside goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo and defender Isaac James.

Those options give Chelle different attacking profiles, but keeping Osimhen available allows the coach to make his final decision with more information about the striker’s condition.

The dispute therefore goes beyond Galatasaray wanting its star forward protected. Nigeria want Osimhen available for medical assessment because the Super Eagles are beginning a six-match qualification campaign that will decide their route to the 2027 AFCON finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.