Osimhen Ruled Out Of Champions League Opener, Set To Miss Nigeria’s AFCON Qualifiers

Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League opener and is also expected to miss Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches after suffering a groin injury.

Galatasaray confirmed that the Nigeria striker is expected to spend two to three weeks on the sidelines after undergoing MRI scans and further examinations at Acıbadem Hospital.

The Turkish champions said the tests revealed an “advanced-moderate level strain” involving bleeding and strain in Osimhen’s right adductor muscle group.

The injury means Osimhen will miss Galatasaray’s Champions League league-phase opener away to Sporting CP on Wednesday, 9 September.

He is also expected to be unavailable for Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifying fixtures against Madagascar on 25 September and Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The setback comes at an unfortunate time for both Galatasaray and Nigeria, particularly with the Super Eagles beginning another major qualifying campaign after their disappointing 2026 World Cup qualifying experience.

Osimhen sustained the injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over İstanbul Başakşehir on Friday. The 27-year-old had opened the scoring in the 16th minute, taking his tally to six goals in four Turkish Super Lig appearances this season, while also providing two assists.

However, his evening was cut short just 17 minutes later after he appeared to feel discomfort and signalled that he could not continue. He was replaced by Barış Alper Yılmaz in the 33rd minute.
Galatasaray eventually secured all three points through Gabriel Sara’s 90th-minute winner after twice surrendering the lead.

The injury is another blow to Nigeria’s preparations, with Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu also forced off during his side’s 5-0 victory over Gençlerbirliği on Sunday.

Despite the setback, Osimhen is expected to recover in time to face Barcelona when the Spanish giants visit Istanbul for Galatasaray’s second Champions League league-phase fixture on 13 October.