By Iroyin Yoruba Television News Desk
Nigeria's preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have been disrupted by the withdrawal of striker Victor Osimhen, with Taiwo Awoniyi called into the Super Eagles squad as his replacement.
The development was confirmed on Sunday, September 20, 2026, after Osimhen failed to recover sufficiently from a muscle injury to take part in Nigeria's opening qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Osimhen had originally been included in coach Eric Chelle's 24-man squad announced earlier in September, despite concerns about his fitness.
The Nigerian coaching staff and Osimhen's club, Galatasaray, had hoped that the striker would recover in time to return to competitive football before the international window.
That expectation was not fulfilled.
Osimhen missed Galatasaray's league match against Trabzonspor on Saturday, September 19, providing a significant indication that his recovery had not progressed far enough for him to join Nigeria for the upcoming qualifiers.
The Nigerian national team subsequently confirmed that he would not be available for the two matches.
His place in the squad has now been taken by Taiwo Awoniyi, the Nigerian striker who recently joined newly promoted English Premier League club Coventry City.
Awoniyi's return gives the Super Eagles another established international forward as the team prepares for the opening matches of its 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
OSIMHEN'S INJURY FORCES CHANGE
Osimhen's withdrawal is linked to a muscle strain affecting his right thigh, with the injury originally suffered while playing for Galatasaray.
The striker was forced off during Galatasaray's league match against Başakşehir, with subsequent medical assessment identifying the muscle problem.
His recovery was initially expected to take at least two weeks.
That timeframe created hope that he could regain fitness before Nigeria's September fixtures.
However, the recovery has taken longer than anticipated.
Osimhen's absence from Galatasaray's meeting with Trabzonspor on September 19 became an important indicator of his condition.
The match had been viewed as an opportunity to assess whether he was ready to return to competitive football.
He did not feature.
The subsequent decision to remove him from Nigeria's squad means he will continue his rehabilitation with his club rather than travelling for the Super Eagles' opening AFCON qualifiers.
NIGERIA CONFIRMS HIS ABSENCE
The Nigerian national team confirmed that Osimhen would miss the matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The decision means the striker will not be available when Nigeria begins its campaign on September 25.
Nigeria will face Madagascar first before travelling to meet Guinea-Bissau four days later on September 29.
Both matches are part of Nigeria's qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Osimhen's absence means coach Eric Chelle will have to adjust his attacking options before the first competitive matches of the new qualification campaign.
The coach had originally selected Osimhen as part of a forward group that also included Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.
With Osimhen unavailable, the attacking department will now have a different composition.
AWONIYI GETS THE CALL
The player selected to replace Osimhen is Taiwo Awoniyi.
The 29-year-old striker has been brought back into the Super Eagles setup after spending a period outside the national-team squad.
Awoniyi's return comes at an important moment because Nigeria needs an experienced forward capable of operating in a central attacking role.
He has previously represented Nigeria at senior level and has also played in major European leagues.
His latest club move has taken him to Coventry City, following his time with Nottingham Forest.
The call-up gives Awoniyi another opportunity to establish himself within Chelle's plans.
It also means that the striker could return to international action in competitive matches after his absence from recent Super Eagles squads.
A RETURN AFTER ALMOST TWO YEARS
Awoniyi's return is particularly notable because he has not been a regular member of the Super Eagles squad in recent international windows.
His last reported appearance for Nigeria came in October 2024, when he was involved in the team's AFCON qualifying campaign.
The latest call-up therefore represents a return to the national team after a significant period.
The circumstances are also different from his previous international involvement.
Nigeria is beginning another AFCON qualification campaign, and the team has undergone changes in its coaching structure and player selection.
Awoniyi now has the opportunity to re-establish himself under Chelle.
His selection also provides the coach with another experienced option as Nigeria begins its qualification schedule.
THE MATCHES AHEAD
Nigeria's first AFCON 2027 qualifier will be against Madagascar on September 25.
The match is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
Four days later, Nigeria will face Guinea-Bissau in the second qualifying fixture.
The two matches will provide the Super Eagles with their first competitive tests of the new AFCON qualification campaign.
Nigeria is expected to approach the fixtures with the objective of collecting points and establishing a strong position in the qualifying group.
The absence of Osimhen adds another consideration to the team's preparation.
Chelle must now determine how to structure the attack without one of the country's most established goalscorers.
OSIMHEN'S IMPORTANCE TO NIGERIA
Osimhen has become one of Nigeria's most productive international forwards since making his senior debut.
According to CAF's latest profile, he has scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for the Super Eagles.
Those numbers underline his importance to Nigeria's attack.
His ability to lead the line, attack crosses, run behind defensive lines and create scoring opportunities has made him one of the central figures in Nigeria's recent attacking plans.
His absence therefore changes the options available to the coaching staff.
It does not mean Nigeria cannot score without him.
The Super Eagles have several other attacking players with international experience.
However, Osimhen's individual record means his absence removes a significant source of goals from the squad.
THE ATTACKING OPTIONS AVAILABLE
With Osimhen unavailable, Chelle has several players from whom he can construct his forward line.
Taiwo Awoniyi provides a physically strong central option.
Tolu Arokodare has also been included in the squad and has been playing regularly for Ajax.
Akor Adams is another forward selected by Chelle.
Ademola Lookman provides an attacking option capable of operating from wide areas or moving into central positions.
Moses Simon brings experience and creativity.
George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor provide additional alternatives.
The coach will therefore have different ways to reorganise the attack.
The decision will depend on the tactical approach selected for each opponent.
WHAT AWONIYI BRINGS
Awoniyi has characteristics that can provide Nigeria with a different attacking approach.
The striker is known for his physical presence, movement inside the penalty area and ability to hold up play.
He can operate as a traditional central striker and can also attack space behind defensive lines.
His experience in English football means he has faced physically demanding defensive systems and high-intensity matches.
His club move to Coventry City also means he enters the international window from a new stage of his club career.
The national-team environment will require him to adapt quickly because Nigeria's first qualifier is only days away.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CLUB FITNESS
One of the factors behind Osimhen's withdrawal is the importance of regular competitive football when assessing a player's fitness.
The striker's absence from Galatasaray's match against Trabzonspor meant that he had not returned to full competitive activity before the international window.
For a player recovering from a muscle injury, the decision to return to competitive action involves medical assessment and gradual progression.
Nigeria therefore cannot simply assume that a player originally selected for an international squad will remain available throughout the preparation period.
Club medical teams and national-team medical staff have to assess the player's condition.
The latest decision reflects that process.
OSIMHEN WILL CONTINUE HIS RECOVERY
Osimhen's immediate priority will be continuing his rehabilitation.
The decision to withdraw him from the national team allows the striker to remain with Galatasaray and work toward a return to club football.
His eventual return date will depend on his recovery and medical clearance.
Nigeria's October international activity could become another potential window for his return.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to play an international friendly against Russia on October 6.
However, his participation in that match has not been confirmed.
His availability will depend on how quickly he completes his recovery and returns to competitive football.
WHY NIGERIA INCLUDED HIM INITIALLY
Some questions have emerged because Osimhen was included in the original squad despite his injury.
The explanation is that the Nigerian technical team and Galatasaray had hoped he would recover in time.
At the time the squad was announced, there was still an expectation that his rehabilitation could progress sufficiently.
Squad selection therefore occurred before the final decision on his availability.
Once it became clear that he would not be ready, the national team made the adjustment.
This is a common feature of international football because national squads are often announced before the final fitness status of every player is known.
Injuries can change the composition of a squad between the announcement and the actual match.
CHELLE'S FIRST AFCON QUALIFYING TEST
The upcoming matches will provide Chelle with another opportunity to develop his team.
The coach has already selected a squad containing a mixture of experienced internationals and newer players.
Osimhen's withdrawal adds another challenge to that process.
The coach must decide whether to use Awoniyi immediately or select another striker depending on training performances and tactical requirements.
The decision could also influence how Nigeria approaches Madagascar.
A team built around Osimhen may rely on different attacking movements from one built around Awoniyi or Arokodare.
Chelle will therefore need to adjust his tactical instructions to suit the players available.
THE MADAGASCAR CHALLENGE
Nigeria's opening opponent will be Madagascar.
The match is important because it begins Nigeria's campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON tournament.
The Super Eagles will want to establish themselves early in the group rather than allow the opening matches to create pressure later in the qualification process.
Madagascar will also arrive with its own objectives.
The match therefore cannot be treated simply as a formality.
Nigeria's coaching staff will have to prepare for Madagascar's style, defensive organisation and attacking threat.
The absence of Osimhen makes the tactical preparation even more significant because the team will have to operate without its original first-choice central striker.
GUINEA-BISSAU COMES FOUR DAYS LATER
Nigeria's second qualifier is against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The short gap between the two matches creates another challenge for the coaching staff.
Players will have to recover quickly, while the team may need to rotate personnel depending on fitness and tactical requirements.
The two-match sequence also means that Nigeria cannot focus exclusively on the opening fixture.
The technical team has to consider both matches when managing the squad.
Awoniyi's arrival provides an additional attacking option that could be used in either fixture.
LOOKMAN'S ROLE
Another important attacking player in the squad is Ademola Lookman.
Lookman has established himself as one of Nigeria's leading attacking players and is capable of operating from wide positions.
His movement can provide another route to goal when the central striker is unavailable.
Nigeria could use him to create chances for Awoniyi or another central forward.
He can also contribute directly through his own scoring ability.
His role will therefore become even more important with Osimhen absent.
TOLU AROKODARE'S OPPORTUNITY
Tolu Arokodare is another player whose role could increase.
The Ajax striker scored an equaliser against Excelsior on September 19 after coming off the bench.
His recent club activity provides him with an opportunity to demonstrate his current form before the international matches.
Arokodare offers another central attacking option for Chelle.
The competition between him, Awoniyi, Akor Adams and other forwards will give the coach different options.
Training performances could influence which striker starts against Madagascar.
AKOR ADAMS AND THE OTHER FORWARDS
Akor Adams is also part of the squad selected for the AFCON qualifiers.
His presence gives Nigeria another option in the central attacking position.
George Ilenikhena provides a younger attacking alternative, while Moses Usor adds another option to the forward group.
The variety of attacking profiles means Nigeria does not have to rely on a single tactical approach.
The challenge will be turning those individual options into an effective attacking unit.
International football provides limited training time compared with club football.
That makes tactical clarity particularly important.
THE MIDFIELD SUPPORT
Nigeria's attacking players will also depend on the midfield for service.
The squad includes experienced midfielders such as Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and Raphael Onyedika.
Their ability to control possession, win the ball and create forward passes will influence the amount of service available to the strikers.
Without Osimhen's ability to create danger from different situations, Nigeria may need to build attacks differently.
The midfield may therefore have a greater role in creating clear opportunities for the replacement striker.
THE DEFENSIVE STRUCTURE
Although the main focus has been on Osimhen's absence, Nigeria's overall preparation involves more than the attack.
The squad contains defenders including Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Ola Aina, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi and Benjamin Fredricks.
The team's defensive organisation will be important in both qualifiers.
Nigeria's objective is not simply to replace Osimhen's goals.
The team must also prevent opponents from creating opportunities and maintain control of matches.
A balanced performance will therefore require contributions from every area of the team.
GOALKEEPING OPTIONS
The squad also contains several goalkeeping options.
Stanley Nwabali, Maduka Okoye and Arthur Okonkwo were included in the original squad.
Each goalkeeper brings different club experience and will compete for selection.
The decision over who starts will be made by the coaching staff.
The goalkeeping department is therefore another area in which competition exists within the squad.
NIGERIA'S RECENT QUALIFYING CONTEXT
The 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign comes after Nigeria's failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
That disappointment remains part of the recent background surrounding the national team.
The new qualification campaign therefore provides the Super Eagles with another competitive objective.
AFCON qualification is particularly important because Nigeria has a long history in the competition and has won the tournament three times.
The team will now begin another attempt to reach the continental finals.
The opening matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will provide the first competitive indication of how the new campaign is developing.
THE PRESSURE ON THE SUPER EAGLES
Nigeria's national team regularly faces high expectations from supporters.
The Super Eagles have a large domestic and international following, and major tournaments attract considerable attention.
Chelle's task is to build a team capable of competing effectively while also managing player availability and injuries.
Osimhen's withdrawal is therefore an early test of squad depth.
The team must now demonstrate that it has enough attacking options to compete without its leading striker.
That does not mean the replacement must reproduce Osimhen's exact playing style.
Instead, the coach can build a system around the characteristics of the players who are available.
THE RETURN OF AWONIYI CHANGES THE OPTIONS
Awoniyi's return gives Chelle an experienced alternative.
The striker has previously played for Nigeria and understands the demands associated with international football.
His presence also gives the coaching staff a player who can operate as a physical central forward.
That could be useful against opponents who defend deeply or rely heavily on physical challenges.
Awoniyi can also provide a target for crosses and direct passes.
His ability to link with attacking midfielders and wide players will be important.
THE COVENTRY CITY FACTOR
Awoniyi's current club situation also makes his return notable.
He recently moved to Coventry City, who have returned to the Premier League.
The reported transfer followed his spell with Nottingham Forest.
Playing regular competitive football at club level can provide a useful platform for international selection.
However, club form and international performance are not identical.
Awoniyi will need to adapt quickly to Nigeria's tactical system and establish an understanding with teammates during limited preparation time.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR GALATASARAY
Osimhen's withdrawal is also important for Galatasaray.
The Turkish club will want its striker to recover fully before returning to competitive action.
His absence from the club's match against Trabzonspor means Galatasaray is already managing a situation in which one of its key attacking players is unavailable.
The international break gives Osimhen additional time to recover without the immediate pressure of travelling for Nigeria's matches.
His club return will depend on his medical progress.
WHAT HAPPENS AFTER THE AFCON QUALIFIERS
Nigeria's schedule does not end with the September qualifiers.
The Super Eagles are also scheduled to face Russia in an international friendly on October 6.
The match provides another opportunity for the coaching staff to assess players and tactical combinations.
If Osimhen has recovered by then, his availability could become a major talking point.
If he is still not fully fit, the coaching staff will have to continue working with the available forwards.
Awoniyi's performance during the September window could also influence future selection decisions.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SQUAD DEPTH
International tournaments require more than a starting eleven.
Injuries, suspensions, fatigue and club commitments can all affect national-team squads.
A team with several quality options in each position has more flexibility when players become unavailable.
Osimhen's withdrawal provides an immediate test of Nigeria's depth at centre-forward.
The Super Eagles have several alternatives, but those players will have to demonstrate that they can collectively maintain the team's attacking threat.
The next two matches will provide an opportunity to assess that depth in competitive conditions.
THE MEDICAL DECISION
The decision to withdraw Osimhen also highlights the importance of medical judgment in professional football.
Muscle injuries can worsen if a player returns before complete recovery.
National teams and clubs therefore have strong reasons to avoid rushing players back.
For Nigeria, the priority is to have Osimhen available when he is genuinely fit rather than risk aggravating the injury during a qualifying match.
For Galatasaray, the same principle applies because the striker has a long club season ahead.
The current decision allows the recovery process to continue.
WHAT FANS CAN EXPECT
Nigeria supporters will now watch closely to see which attacking combination Chelle selects.
Awoniyi's return will attract attention because of his long absence from the squad.
Arokodare's recent goal for Ajax will also be relevant to discussions about selection.
Lookman's role will be another important part of the attacking plan.
The midfield combination will determine how effectively Nigeria can create opportunities.
The first indication will come when the Super Eagles face Madagascar on September 25.
NO REPLACEMENT CAN SIMPLY REPLICATE OSIMHEN
One of the practical realities facing the coaching staff is that no player needs to be treated as an exact replacement for Osimhen.
Different strikers have different strengths.
Awoniyi may offer physical strength and hold-up play.
Arokodare provides another central option.
Adams brings his own movement and finishing qualities.
The team can also use wide attackers such as Lookman and Simon to create scoring opportunities.
The coach's responsibility is to combine those characteristics into a functioning attack.
THE LARGER PICTURE FOR NIGERIA
The immediate issue is Osimhen's injury, but the wider objective remains qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria must collect enough points from its qualifying matches to secure a place in the tournament.
The process begins with Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles will need consistency across the campaign rather than relying on one player.
Osimhen's eventual return could strengthen the team, but the September matches must be played with the squad currently available.
CONCLUSION
Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria's opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after failing to recover sufficiently from a right-thigh muscle injury.
The decision was confirmed on September 20, 2026, after the Galatasaray striker missed his club's match against Trabzonspor.
Nigeria had originally included Osimhen in Eric Chelle's 24-man squad, with the expectation that he could recover in time for the international window.
That expectation changed as his recovery progressed more slowly than anticipated.
In response, Taiwo Awoniyi has been called into the Super Eagles squad for the two qualifiers.
The 29-year-old striker returns to the national team after a lengthy absence and will now have an opportunity to compete for a starting role in Nigeria's attack.
The Super Eagles will face Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
Osimhen's absence removes one of Nigeria's most prolific international goalscorers from the opening fixtures. He has scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for the Super Eagles.
However, Nigeria still has several attacking options, including Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor.
The coaching staff will now have to determine the best combination for the two matches.
The situation also gives Awoniyi an opportunity to re-establish himself within the national team under Chelle.
His return comes at an important stage because Nigeria is beginning a new AFCON qualification campaign after missing the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The September fixtures will provide the first competitive test of the team's new qualifying campaign and its ability to operate without Osimhen.
The striker's next objective will be to complete his recovery and return to competitive football with Galatasaray.
Nigeria is also scheduled to face Russia on October 6, although Osimhen's availability for that friendly will depend on his recovery and return to club action.
For now, the immediate focus is on the two AFCON qualifiers.
Nigeria will enter those matches without its leading striker, but with Awoniyi returning to the squad and several other attacking options available to Chelle.
The opening fixtures will reveal how the Super Eagles adapt to the change and how effectively the new attacking combination can perform in Osimhen's absence.