Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s opening matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers as he continues to recover from a muscle injury.

Osimhen who was initially included in Nigeria’s squad after it was expected that he would recover on time for the September-October FIFA international window.

However, Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe confirmed on Sunday that the Galatasaray forward’s recovery has been slower than expected.

Efoghe said Osimhen’s absence from Galatasaray’s league match against Trabzonspor confirmed that he is still not fit to return to competitive football.

“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected,” Efoghe said.

He added that Osimhen would not be available for Nigeria’s opening qualifiers.

This means head coach Eric Chelle will have to rely on other attacking options as the Super Eagles begin their qualifying campaign.

Nigeria are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar in their opening fixture before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Osimhen will continue his rehabilitation as he works towards a return to full fitness.

(NAN)