Osimhen Makes Eagles Squad Despite Injury

Victor Osimhen has been included in Nigeria’s 24-man squad for the opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers despite an injury that has kept the Galatasaray striker out of action, while George Ilenikhena has received his first senior invitation to the Super Eagles.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle named the squad for Nigeria’s Group L qualifying fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, with Osimhen among the key attacking options for the two matches.

Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 league victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4. He scored early in the match but was substituted before half-time, with subsequent medical checks confirming an injury that required treatment. His availability for Nigeria therefore remains dependent on his recovery and fitness assessment.

Despite the concern surrounding his fitness, Chelle retained the 27-year-old forward in the squad alongside captain Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Samuel Chukwueze, Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare.

The biggest new attacking name is Ilenikhena, who has earned his first call-up to the senior national team. The forward, who is based in Saudi Arabia, previously represented France at youth level before committing his international future to Nigeria.

Ilenikhena will be joined by Moses Usor and Portugal-based defender Isaac James, who have also received their first senior invitations. Their inclusion reflects Chelle’s decision to introduce fresh options while retaining much of the established core of the Super Eagles.

There are also notable returns to the squad. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali has been recalled, while Olaoluwa Aina and Benjamin Fredricks return after periods away from the national team. Arthur Okonkwo and Chibuike Nwaiwu, who impressed during Nigeria’s Unity Cup campaign, also retain their places.

Nigeria will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25. The Super Eagles will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.

The two matches will be Nigeria’s first competitive fixtures since the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where the Super Eagles finished third. Nigeria are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, with Tanzania already guaranteed a place at the 2027 tournament as one of the co-hosts.

That arrangement means the qualifying race has a different dynamic, with Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau competing for the available qualifying place from the group.

Chelle has also announced a separate 24-man squad for Nigeria’s international friendly against Russia in October. The friendly will give the coach an opportunity to assess additional players outside the group selected for the AFCON qualifiers.