Victor Osimhen’s participation at the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been thrown into serious doubt as Galatasaray continue to monitor the striker’s recovery from a hamstring injury sustained during Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying playoff matches. The development was reported on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, by OwnGoalNigeria.
The Turkish giants have ruled the Super Eagles forward out for a minimum of three weeks, a timeline that places his availability for AFCON in jeopardy, with the tournament just weeks away. Osimhen has already missed several training sessions and matchday squads for Galatasaray, further heightening concerns within both camps.
Galatasaray Unhappy With Nigeria’s Handling of Osimhen
According to club sources, Galatasaray are displeased with how heavily the striker was used during Nigeria’s two-legged playoff clash against Gabon. Despite being advised to limit the forward to no more than 70 minutes due to an existing hamstring strain, Osimhen ended up playing the full 120 minutes in the first leg, a physically demanding match that went into extra time.
That extended workload is now believed to have worsened the injury, delaying his recovery and casting fresh uncertainty over his readiness for AFCON.
Super Eagles Face Tactical Headache
For head coach Eric Chelle, the situation represents a major tactical and psychological blow. Osimhen has been central to Nigeria’s attacking identity, and his absence would force a significant reshuffle just as the coaching crew prepares to finalise its AFCON squad list.
The injury could also open the door for other attacking options, including Akor Adams, Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, and emerging forward Chuba Akpom, depending on their fitness and form heading into camp.
Worst-Case Scenario: Out Until Next Season
Medical assessments within the Galatasaray setup suggest that if Osimhen’s recovery does not progress faster than expected, he may only return to full competitive sharpness towards the start of the new season, an outcome that would rule him out of Africa’s biggest football showpiece entirely.
For now, Galatasaray’s medical team will continue to evaluate the striker’s rehabilitation, but the mood around the club suggests growing pessimism about his AFCON prospects.
A Nation Holds Its Breath
With AFCON fast approaching, Nigerian fans, officials, and the technical crew can only hope for a quicker-than-expected recovery. Osimhen’s leadership, goals, and influence remain irreplaceable, and his absence would be one of the biggest storylines heading into the 2025 tournament.