Osimhen Faces Surgery After Galatasaray Injury, Set to Miss Super Eagles’ Tanzania Double-Header

According to a report by Anadolu Agency on Friday November 06, 2026, Victor Osimhen is set to miss Nigeria’s two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches against Tanzania after suffering a knee injury that requires surgical treatment.

Turkish Super Lig champions Galatasaray announced on Friday that the Nigerian forward will undergo surgery on Saturday following an injury sustained during their UEFA Champions League meeting with German side Stuttgart on Tuesday.

The 27-year-old suffered the setback during the encounter at Galatasaray’s home ground, raising concerns over his availability for the club’s upcoming fixtures and Nigeria’s international commitments.

Following the injury, Galatasaray left Osimhen out of their squad for Saturday’s league fixture against Amedspor. The striker is expected to spend a period recovering after the operation, although the club has not provided a specific timeline for his return to action.

His absence will be a significant concern for Nigeria as the Super Eagles prepare for their two-legged qualifying contest against Tanzania, with both teams competing for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.

Nigeria are scheduled to face the Taifa Stars in the third round of the qualifying campaign on Friday, November 13. The encounter will take place at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo, where the Super Eagles will have the advantage of playing in front of their home supporters.

The Nigerian side will then travel to Tanzania for the reverse fixture, scheduled for November 17 in Dar es Salaam, just four days after the first meeting.

Osimhen’s injury means Nigeria must approach both fixtures without one of their most important attacking players. The Super Eagles will now have to prepare for the double-header while the Galatasaray forward begins his recovery from surgery.

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