NFF Rejects Galatasaray Request to Keep Osimhen Out of 2027 AFCON Qualifiers
The Nigeria Football Federation has reportedly rejected a request from Galatasaray to prevent Victor Osimhen from featuring in Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
According to Turkish outlet NTV Spor, Galatasaray contacted the NFF over the 27-year-old striker, who has been sidelined for two weeks with a right-groin injury.
Osimhen suffered the injury in the 33rd minute of Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Başakşehir in their fourth Süper Lig game of the season.
The report claims Galatasaray want Osimhen to use the international break to complete his recovery and return fully fit to club action.
However, Nigeria reportedly turned down the request, with the Super Eagles set to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in crucial Group L qualifiers.
Osimhen has been included in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad for the matches, with Nigeria hosting Madagascar on Friday, September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for the second fixture on Tuesday, September 29.
It remains unclear whether Osimhen will be fit enough to play in Saturday’s league trip to Trabzonspor, having already missed two weeks of action because of the groin problem.
The striker has made an impressive start to the season for Galatasaray, scoring six goals and providing two assists in four appearances before his injury.
