Osimhen’s Successful Surgery: Boost For Galatasaray, Setback For Super Eagles

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has successfully undergone surgery on his left knee, raising hopes of a return to action later this month but ruling him out of Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

According to a report by ESPN on Sunday, November 8, 2026, the Galatasaray forward underwent the operation on Saturday, November 7, at Maslak Acıbadem Hospital in Istanbul.

The procedure was carried out by Galatasaray club doctor Yener İnce after an MRI scan revealed a loose fragment in the Nigerian international’s knee.

Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League victory over VfB Stuttgart on November 3, forcing him to undergo surgery.

The 27-year-old is expected to miss Nigeria’s two AFCON qualifying encounters against Tanzania on November 13 and 17. He will also be unavailable for Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Lig meeting with Samsunspor on November 15.

However, Turkish media reports have identified November 24, when Galatasaray face Aston Villa in the Champions League, as a possible return date for the striker.

Although reports suggest a three-week recovery period, Galatasaray have not officially confirmed the timeline. His participation against Aston Villa will depend on his rehabilitation and subsequent medical assessments.

Osimhen’s absence represents a significant setback for Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle, particularly as Nigeria seek to strengthen their position in the race for qualification for the 2027 AFCON.

Nigeria currently occupy second place in Group L with three points, three behind leaders Guinea-Bissau. The Super Eagles opened their campaign with a 2-1 victory over Madagascar before suffering a disappointing 3-0 defeat away to Guinea-Bissau.

The qualification situation is further complicated by Tanzania’s status as one of the tournament’s co-hosts, meaning they have already secured automatic qualification.

Consequently, only the highest-placed team among the remaining three countries in Group L will secure the other qualification spot.

Nigeria must therefore target maximum points from their November double-header against Tanzania to keep their campaign on track before facing Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau again in March 2027.

Without their leading attacking threat, Chelle faces the challenge of finding an effective alternative as the Super Eagles pursue a crucial qualification campaign.