Super Eagles AFCON Qualifiers Suffers Blow as Osimhen Goes Under the Knife

 Galatasaray have confirmed that Victor Osimhen will undergo knee surgery today following an injury that could become a major concern for Nigeria ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Turkish champions disclosed the development on their official website on Friday evening, revealing that the Nigerian striker sustained an injury to his left knee during their UEFA Champions League encounter against VfB Stuttgart.

According to the club’s medical update, an MRI examination detected a loose fragment in Osimhen’s knee, prompting plans for arthroscopic surgery at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital.

The procedure will be conducted by Galatasaray’s club doctor, Yener İnce.

The 27-year-old has consequently been withdrawn from Galatasaray’s squad for Saturday’s meeting with Amed Sportif Faaliyetler as he prepares for the operation.

Osimhen’s latest setback comes at an unfortunate time for the Super Eagles, with head coach Éric Chelle preparing his squad for Nigeria’s crucial November international assignments.

Nigeria are scheduled to face Tanzania twice in their 2027 Afcon qualifying campaign, hosting the East African side on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on November 17.

 Super Eagles currently have three points from their opening two matches, having beaten Madagascar 2-1 before suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau. Osimhen missed both encounters due to injury.

With qualification pressure mounting, the striker’s latest setback could represent another significant concern for Chelle, who will be hoping to have his leading forward available for the upcoming fixtures.

However, Galatasaray have yet to announce how long the forward will be sidelined or when he could return to action.