Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen is set to miss the upcoming doubleheader against Libya in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers due to injury. This news comes as a significant blow to the Super Eagles as they prepare for crucial matches in their quest to secure a spot in the 2025 tournament.
Osimhen, who has been in sensational form for his club, Galatasaray, sustained a muscle injury during a Super Lig match against Kasımpaşa on September 28, 2024.
The club confirmed that he suffered a strain in his upper left posterior muscle group, sidelining him for several weeks. His absence will be felt keenly by the Super Eagles, who rely heavily on his goal-scoring prowess.
The interim head coach, Augustine Eguavoen, announced a 23-man squad ahead of the matches against Libya, which will take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on October 11 and then in Benghazi for the return leg on October 15. With Osimhen out, much of the attacking responsibility will fall on players like Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Boniface, who have been performing well at their respective clubs
Eguavoen expressed confidence in his squad despite the setback. We have depth in our attack, and while we will miss Victor, we believe our other forwards can step up and deliver results, he stated.
The Super Eagles are currently aiming to maintain their unbeaten run in the qualifiers. They face Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in what promises to be two critical encounters.
The first match is set for Friday, October 11, while the second leg will occur on Tuesday, October 15. As Nigeria prepares for these vital fixtures, fans and analysts alike are closely watching how Eguavoen manages the squad in Osimhen’s absence and whether they can secure essential points toward qualifying for AFCON 2025.
