Super Eagles of Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen, will not join his international colleagues for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to injury
The 27-year-old’s absence was confirmed by the national team media officer Promise Efoghe on Sunday
Efoghe stated that the former Napoli striker’s absence was confirmed by his inability to take to the pitch for his Turkish League champions Galatasaray in their league match on Saturday
Osimhen could not feature as his team lost 4-0 to Trabzonspor who have Super Eagles’ Paul Onuachu on its roster
Efoghe said Osimhen was expected to recover from a muscle strain, but his absence over the weekend indicates he is not making appropriate recovery, and will not join his compatriots for matches against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau
“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected,” Efoghe started
“He was included in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON qualifiers because Galatasaray and Super Eagles technical crew were hopeful he would be fit for the Super Lig game versus Trabzonspor and ready for the international window”
The injury means Osimhen, who last played a match on September 5, will not be able to take aim at Rashidi Yekini’s all-time goalscoring record of 37 goals for Nigeria, with the former Lille youngster on 35 goals, two goals behind the legendary striker
The Super Eagles will start their qualifying journey in Group L by hosting Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on September 25, then visit Bissau to face the Wild Dogs of Guinea-Bissau four days later