Osimhen sustained a muscle strain during Galatasaray’s 3-2 away victory over Istanbul Başakşehir on September 4 and has not featured for the Turkish club since the injury.
Despite the setback, the 27-year-old was initially included in Nigeria’s squad by head coach Éric Chelle, who had hoped the striker would recover in time for the qualifiers.
However, Osimhen’s recovery has reportedly progressed more slowly than expected, leading to his withdrawal from the squad.
The former Napoli forward will consequently miss Nigeria’s opening qualifying fixture against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Thursday, September 24.
The Super Eagles will then travel to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau four days later in their second qualifying match.
Osimhen’s absence leaves Chelle without one of his key attacking options as Nigeria begin their campaign for qualification for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
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