This is a serious blow for the Super Eagles. Victor Osimhen has been ruled out/doubtful for Nigeria's opening 2027 AFCON qualifiers after suffering a groin injury while playing for Galatasaray. He was forced off after just 33 minutes despite scoring in the match. Galatasaray confirmed an advanced-moderate strain in his right adductor muscle. Nigeria are scheduled to face Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The timing could not be worse for Eric Chelle. Nigeria are starting a new AFCON qualification campaign after the disappointment of missing the 2026 World Cup, and now their biggest attacking weapon is unavailable. Osimhen has become one of Nigeria's most reliable sources of goals. His absence means Chelle now has to decide who leads the attack. Could this be the moment for Tolu Arokodare to step up?
What about Akor Adams, George Ilenikhena, or another attacking option? Ilenikhena, in particular, is coming off a huge weekend after scoring twice for Al-Ittihad against Cristiano Ronaldo's Al-Nassr. The 20-year-old has now scored five league goals in five games this season. There is also another concern. Paul Onuachu is reportedly dealing with an injury too, meaning Nigeria could potentially be without two of their main centre-forwards for these qualifiers.
So the big question is: Who should Eric Chelle trust to lead the Super Eagles attack without Osimhen? Arokodare? Akor Adams? Ilenikhena? Or should Nigeria change the system completely and play without a traditional No. 9?
