Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is facing another injury setback after Turkish champions Galatasaray confirmed that he will undergo surgery on his left knee, raising concerns over his availability for Nigeria’s forthcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania.
Galatasaray announced on Friday that the 27-year-old sustained an injury to his left knee during the club’s UEFA Champions League encounter against German side VfB Stuttgart.
Following an MRI examination, medical personnel discovered a loose body in the affected knee, prompting the club to schedule an arthroscopic procedure for Saturday at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital.
In a statement, the Turkish champions confirmed that the operation would be conducted by the club’s doctor, Yener İnce.
The club also announced that Osimhen had been excluded from the squad for Saturday’s domestic fixture against Amed Sportif Faaliyetler.
The development is a major concern for Nigeria as head coach Éric Chelle prepares his squad for two crucial encounters against Tanzania in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Super Eagles are scheduled to host Tanzania’s Taifa Stars in Uyo on November 13 before travelling for the return fixture on November 17.
Osimhen’s potential absence would be another significant blow to Chelle, who has previously struggled to have the Galatasaray forward available for Nigeria’s qualifying campaign.
The former Napoli striker missed Nigeria’s opening two qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in September after failing to recover fully from a muscle injury sustained during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4.
Although he was initially included in Chelle’s squad for the fixtures, he was subsequently withdrawn after his recovery took longer than expected.
Galatasaray had earlier disclosed that medical examinations revealed a moderate-to-advanced strain, accompanied by bleeding, in his right adductor muscle group.
His latest injury, involving the left knee, represents another fitness challenge for the striker, although the club has yet to announce how long he is expected to remain sidelined following the surgery.
Nigeria are drawn in Group L alongside Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
However, Tanzania, one of the co-hosts of the 2027 AFCON alongside Kenya and Uganda, have already secured automatic qualification for the tournament, leaving Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau to battle for the remaining qualifying spot.
