Victor

Osimhen Misses Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 Qualifiers as Taiwo Awoniyi Gets the Call

By Lamiel Side News Sports Desk

Victor Osimhen missed Nigeria’s opening Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after failing to recover in time from a muscle injury.

The Galatasaray striker was initially included in Nigeria’s squad for the opening qualifying fixtures, but his recovery did not progress quickly enough for him to join the Super Eagles for the matches.

As a result, Nigeria called up Taiwo Awoniyi to replace Osimhen in the squad.

Osimhen’s absence was a major talking point ahead of Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign because the striker remains one of the country’s most important attacking players.

However, despite missing their star striker, Nigeria managed to begin the campaign with a victory over Madagascar before suffering a heavy defeat against Guinea-Bissau.

Osimhen’s Injury Forces Nigeria Into a Change

Victor Osimhen suffered a muscle injury while playing for Galatasaray in Turkey.

The injury forced him to leave the field early during his club match, creating uncertainty over whether he would recover in time for Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifying games.

According to CAF, Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s match against Başakşehir and was substituted in the 33rd minute.

Initial expectations suggested that the striker could need at least two weeks to recover.

Because of the expected recovery period, Osimhen was initially named in Nigeria’s squad.

However, as the international window approached, it became clear that he had not recovered sufficiently to play competitive football.

Nigeria therefore decided not to risk the striker and instead brought in Taiwo Awoniyi.

CAF confirmed that Osimhen would miss Nigeria’s opening qualifying matches against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29 because of the muscle injury.

Why Osimhen’s Absence Was Important

Osimhen’s absence was significant because of the contribution he has made to the Nigerian national team over the years.

The striker has established himself as one of Nigeria’s leading goalscorers and one of the most dangerous forwards in African football.

Before the opening AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures, CAF reported that Osimhen had scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for the Super Eagles since making his senior international debut.

Those numbers demonstrate why his absence naturally attracted attention.

Osimhen provides Nigeria with several qualities in attack.

His pace allows him to attack spaces behind defenders, while his physical strength helps him compete against powerful centre-backs.

He is also capable of finishing chances inside the penalty area and creating problems for defenders through his movement.

Without him, Nigeria needed to find alternative ways of creating and finishing chances.

Taiwo Awoniyi Called Up

Following the confirmation that Osimhen would not be available, Taiwo Awoniyi was called up to replace him.

The Coventry City forward returned to the Super Eagles setup as Nigeria prepared for the two opening AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures.

Awoniyi has considerable experience playing professional football in Europe and has previously represented Nigeria at international level.

His physical strength, movement and ability to hold up the ball gave coach Éric Chelle another option in attack.

The decision to bring Awoniyi into the squad also demonstrated the depth available to Nigeria in the attacking department.

Although replacing a player of Osimhen’s profile is difficult, Nigeria still had several attacking options available.

Nigeria Begins the AFCON 2027 Qualifying Campaign

Nigeria entered the AFCON 2027 qualifiers in a group that included Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania.

The Super Eagles wanted to make a strong start because collecting points in the opening fixtures could prove important later in the qualification campaign.

Coach Éric Chelle emphasized the importance of starting the campaign positively.

Nigeria opened its qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25.

The Super Eagles then travelled to Guinea-Bissau for the second fixture on September 29.

Nigeria Beats Madagascar 2–1

Despite missing Osimhen, Nigeria began the qualifying campaign with a 2–1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo.

Madagascar shocked the home side by scoring first, putting pressure on the Super Eagles.

Nigeria, however, responded before half-time.

George Ilenikhena scored Nigeria’s equaliser, giving the young forward an important moment in his early international career.

The goal restored confidence among the Nigerian players and supporters.

After the break, Nigeria continued searching for the winning goal.

Moses Usor eventually found the back of the net to put Nigeria ahead.

The Super Eagles held on to secure a 2–1 victory and collect three important points.

The result was particularly encouraging because Nigeria had managed to come from behind without its leading striker.

George Ilenikhena Announces Himself

One of the biggest positives from the victory over Madagascar was the performance of George Ilenikhena.

The young forward was given an opportunity by coach Éric Chelle and responded by scoring for Nigeria.

His goal came at an important moment when the Super Eagles needed a response after falling behind.

For a young player making his way into the senior national team, scoring an important goal can provide a major confidence boost.

Ilenikhena’s performance also highlighted the possibility of Nigeria developing a new generation of attacking players.

The Super Eagles have traditionally produced talented forwards, and Ilenikhena could become another important option for the national team if his development continues positively.

Moses Usor Provides the Winning Goal

Moses Usor was another player who benefited from the absence of some of Nigeria’s established attacking stars.

Usor scored the decisive goal against Madagascar, helping Nigeria secure all three points.

His performance was important because it demonstrated that Nigeria had other players capable of making a difference in attack.

The victory also reduced some of the immediate concerns surrounding Osimhen’s absence.

However, the next match would present a much more difficult challenge.

Guinea-Bissau Defeats Nigeria 3–0

Four days after defeating Madagascar, Nigeria travelled to Guinea-Bissau for the second qualifying match.

The Super Eagles suffered a heavy 3–0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau.

Franculino Djú gave Guinea-Bissau the lead in the 15th minute.

Nigeria attempted to respond but struggled to create clear opportunities.

The home side remained organised and continued to cause problems for the Nigerian defence.

After the break, Guinea-Bissau increased its advantage.

Mama Baldé scored the second goal in the 66th minute.

Álvaro Djaló then completed the victory during stoppage time, giving Guinea-Bissau a convincing 3–0 win.

The result represented a major setback for Nigeria after the positive start against Madagascar.

The Importance of the Guinea-Bissau Defeat

The defeat against Guinea-Bissau demonstrated that Nigeria still has plenty of work to do during the qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles had been able to overcome Madagascar at home, but the performance in Guinea-Bissau exposed weaknesses that the coaching staff will need to address.

Nigeria failed to score in the match and struggled to create enough clear chances.

The result also highlighted the importance of improving the team's performances away from home.

Qualification campaigns are often decided by consistency.

Winning home matches is important, but collecting points away from home can make a significant difference when the final group standings are determined.

Osimhen’s Absence and Nigeria’s Attack

Although Osimhen was not responsible for the defeat against Guinea-Bissau, his absence once again became a major talking point.

The striker has been one of Nigeria’s most reliable attacking players in recent years.

His ability to stretch defences, compete physically and finish chances gives the Super Eagles an additional dimension.

Without him, Nigeria must rely on other players to share the goalscoring responsibility.

The performances of Ilenikhena and Usor against Madagascar showed that Nigeria has alternatives.

However, the defeat against Guinea-Bissau also demonstrated that the team cannot depend on individual players alone.

The entire attacking structure must function effectively.

Nigeria Has Other Attacking Options

Apart from Awoniyi, Nigeria has several players who can contribute to the attack.

Ademola Lookman provides creativity, speed and movement.

Samuel Chukwueze can cause problems from wide positions with his pace and ability to take on defenders.

Akor Adams and Tolu Arokodare provide additional options in the centre-forward position.

George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor also demonstrated their potential during the opening match against Madagascar.

The variety of attacking options gives coach Éric Chelle flexibility.

He can change his formation and attacking approach depending on the opponent.

Éric Chelle Faces an Important Task

Coach Éric Chelle has an important responsibility as Nigeria continues its AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.

The French-Malian coach needs to build a team that can compete effectively both at home and away.

The opening two matches produced contrasting results.

Nigeria showed character against Madagascar by coming from behind to win 2–1.

However, the team struggled against Guinea-Bissau and eventually lost 3–0.

These contrasting performances provide the coaching staff with plenty of information about what needs to improve.

Defensive organisation, midfield control, chance creation and attacking efficiency will all be important.

The Need for Greater Squad Depth

Osimhen’s injury also highlights the importance of squad depth.

No national team can rely entirely on one player.

Injuries, suspensions and club commitments can affect international squads at any time.

Nigeria therefore needs several players capable of performing at a high level.

The emergence of young players such as Ilenikhena and Usor could be important for the future.

If they continue to develop and gain international experience, they could provide Nigeria with more attacking options.

Osimhen’s Return Remains Important

For Nigerian supporters, the main concern remains Osimhen’s recovery.

The striker needs to recover properly before returning to competitive football.

Rushing a player back from a muscle injury could increase the risk of further problems.

For both Galatasaray and Nigeria, having Osimhen fully fit is more important than rushing him back before he is ready.

His eventual return could provide a significant boost to the Super Eagles.

However, Nigeria must also continue developing alternative attacking solutions.

What Nigeria Learned From the Opening Matches

The first two AFCON 2027 qualifying fixtures provided several lessons for Nigeria.

The victory over Madagascar showed that the Super Eagles can recover from difficult situations.

The defeat against Guinea-Bissau showed that the team must improve its consistency.

The emergence of Ilenikhena and Usor was another positive development.

At the same time, the 3–0 defeat showed that Nigeria cannot afford to lose concentration during important away matches.

The coaching staff will need to analyse both games carefully and identify the areas that require improvement.

Nigeria’s Position After Two Matches

After two matches, Nigeria had collected three points.

The Super Eagles earned their three points from the victory over Madagascar but lost to Guinea-Bissau.

Guinea-Bissau, meanwhile, made a strong start by winning its opening matches.

The qualification campaign remains open, and Nigeria still has opportunities to improve its position.

However, the team will need positive results in the remaining fixtures.

Every point could become important when the final qualification standings are decided.

Can Nigeria Still Qualify for AFCON 2027?

Yes, the qualification campaign is far from over.

The defeat against Guinea-Bissau was disappointing, but it does not decide the entire campaign.

Nigeria still has several matches remaining and has enough quality in its squad to compete for qualification.

However, the Super Eagles must learn from the early setbacks.

The team will need to perform consistently, especially against opponents that may adopt defensive or physical approaches.

Home victories will be important, but securing points away from home will also be valuable.

The Future of the Super Eagles

The future of the Super Eagles could benefit from the introduction of younger players.

The performances of Ilenikhena and Usor against Madagascar demonstrated that Nigeria has emerging talent.

At the same time, experienced players remain important because they can provide leadership during difficult matches.

The ideal balance for Nigeria would be a combination of experienced internationals and ambitious young players.

This could help the Super Eagles build a stronger squad for both the AFCON 2027 qualifiers and future international competitions.

Why Osimhen Remains a Key Player

Victor Osimhen remains one of Nigeria’s most important players because of his goalscoring record and experience.

His 35 goals in 52 appearances for the Super Eagles, as reported by CAF, underline his importance to the national team.

He has also gained valuable experience playing at the highest level of European football.

His ability to perform under pressure makes him an important player whenever he is available.

Nevertheless, Nigeria must continue developing a system that can function even when its biggest stars are unavailable.

Awoniyi’s Opportunity

Taiwo Awoniyi’s call-up provides him with an opportunity to demonstrate his value to the national team.

Whenever a major player is unavailable, another player receives an opportunity.

Awoniyi now has the chance to show the coaching staff that he can contribute to Nigeria's attack.

His experience and physical presence can be useful against teams that defend deeply or play physically.

Competition for attacking positions could also motivate the other forwards in the squad.

The Road Ahead

Nigeria's journey towards AFCON 2027 is still ongoing.

The opening two matches produced one victory and one defeat.

The Super Eagles will now need to focus on the remaining fixtures and work on correcting the problems exposed by the defeat against Guinea-Bissau.

The return of injured players could also strengthen the squad.

If Osimhen returns fully fit, Nigeria will have another major attacking option.

But the performances of younger players could also make the squad stronger by providing more competition for places.

Final Thoughts

Victor Osimhen’s absence was one of the major stories surrounding Nigeria’s opening AFCON 2027 qualifying matches.

The Galatasaray striker missed the fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau after failing to recover in time from a muscle injury.

Taiwo Awoniyi was called up to replace him.

Despite missing Osimhen, Nigeria started the campaign with a 2–1 victory over Madagascar in Uyo.

George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored the goals that gave the Super Eagles the victory.

However, Nigeria suffered a major setback four days later when Guinea-Bissau defeated the Super Eagles 3–0.

The contrasting results demonstrate both the potential and the challenges facing Nigeria.

The emergence of young players is encouraging, while the team's overall consistency remains an area that needs attention.

For Osimhen, the priority should be a complete recovery before returning to competitive action.

For coach Éric Chelle, the challenge is to build a balanced team capable of competing regardless of which individual players are available.

Nigeria still has a long way to go in the AFCON 2027 qualification campaign.

The Super Eagles will need consistency, discipline, tactical organisation and goals if they are to achieve their objective.

One thing is certain: the absence of Victor Osimhen has created an opportunity for other Nigerian forwards to step forward.

Players such as Taiwo Awoniyi, Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare, George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor will all have opportunities to contribute.

As the qualification campaign continues, Nigerian football supporters will be watching closely to see how the team responds to its early setback.

The road to AFCON 2027 has only just begun.

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