Nigeria’s hopes of having Victor Osimhen lead the attack in the November international fixtures have suffered a major setback after Galatasaray confirmed that the striker will undergo surgery on a left knee injury.
The development comes at a particularly difficult time for the Super Eagles, who are preparing for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.
According to reports, Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League encounter against VfB Stuttgart. The Turkish club confirmed that the 27-year-old suffered a sprain and was scheduled to undergo surgery on Saturday.
His absence means Nigeria will be without one of its most important attacking players when the Super Eagles begin their November double-header against Tanzania on November 13.
The situation is becoming increasingly worrying for the national team because winger Samuel Chukwueze has also been ruled out after undergoing surgery for a hip injury.
Osimhen’s absence will certainly be felt. The striker has enjoyed an outstanding start to the season, scoring nine goals and providing three assists in just eight league appearances for Galatasaray.
He has been particularly impressive in front of goal, averaging a goal every 62 minutes in the Turkish league.
For Nigeria, the immediate challenge will be finding a reliable attacking solution while the former Napoli star focuses on recovery.
Super Eagles supporters will be hoping the surgery is successful and that Osimhen returns to action without complications, especially with important international fixtures ahead.
