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Galatasaray’s reported request for Victor Osimhen to sit out Nigeria’s upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has been rejected by the Nigerian Football Federation, according to Score Nigeria, as uncertainty continues over the striker’s recovery from a groin injury.
Osimhen has been sidelined for the past two weeks after picking up the injury in the 33rd minute of Galatasaray’s 3-2 Super Lig victory over Basaksehir.
The striker was diagnosed with a strain and pain in his right groin, while his availability for Saturday’s match against Trabzonspor remains unclear.
Galatasaray had hoped Osimhen would fully recover following the international break and reportedly approached the Nigerian Football Federation with a request for him not to feature in the country’s upcoming qualifiers.
However, Score Nigeria reported that the federation turned down the request as Nigeria prepares for important matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Osimhen has also been included in head coach Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad, keeping him in contention to join up with the national team despite his recent injury.
Nigeria will host Madagascar on Sept. 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on Sept. 29 in Group L of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the competition that determines which national teams advance to the continental tournament.
With Osimhen remaining in Nigeria’s squad, attention will first turn to whether he is cleared to return for Galatasaray against Trabzonspor before the international fixtures.
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