Nigeria’s preparations for the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against Tanzania have suffered a major setback, with Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen scheduled to undergo knee surgery on Saturday, November 7.
Osimhen’s club, Galatasaray, confirmed on Friday that the Nigerian international sustained an injury to his left knee during Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League encounter against German side VfB Stuttgart, which the Turkish champions won 2-0.
The 27-year-old completed the match but subsequently underwent an MRI scan, which revealed a loose body in the affected knee.
In a medical statement, Galatasaray announced that the striker would undergo arthroscopic surgery at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital, with club doctor Yener İnce scheduled to perform the procedure.
The club’s statement read:
“In the UEFA Champions League match we played against VfB Stuttgart, our player Victor Osimhen sustained a strain in his left knee, and MRI examinations detected a loose body.
“An arthroscopic knee surgery will be performed tomorrow at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital by our club doctor Yener İnce. For this reason, our player has been removed from the squad for tomorrow’s match against Amed S. F.”
Although Galatasaray did not provide a recovery timeline, the timing of the operation is expected to rule Osimhen out of Nigeria’s November international assignments against Tanzania.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to host the Taifa Stars at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Tanzania for the return fixture on November 17.
The Nigeria Football Federation is yet to announce Osimhen’s official status for the two encounters.
Another Injury Setback for Osimhen
The latest development represents another frustrating interruption to Osimhen’s season after the striker recently recovered from a muscular injury that kept him out of action for three matches.
He also missed Nigeria’s opening two fixtures in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in September.
Osimhen’s absence was particularly significant as the Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo before suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau.
His potential unavailability for the Tanzania double-header leaves head coach Éric Chelle with another important selection decision as Nigeria seek to revive their qualification campaign.
Nigeria Face Crucial Qualification Test
The Tanzania fixtures carry considerable importance for Nigeria, who currently have three points from their opening two matches in Group L.
Guinea-Bissau lead the group with six points, while Nigeria occupy second position with three points. Madagascar and Tanzania have one point each.
However, Tanzania’s position requires special consideration because the country is already guaranteed a place at the 2027 AFCON as one of the three co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Under CAF’s qualification regulations, only the highest-ranked team outside the host nation will qualify from Group L.
Consequently, Nigeria’s principal qualification rivals are Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar, making the November fixtures particularly important for Chelle’s side.
With Osimhen facing a spell on the sidelines, the Super Eagles coach will have to assess his available attacking options ahead of the two encounters, as Nigeria seek maximum points to strengthen their position in the race for a place at AFCON 2027.
The continental tournament will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
