AFCON: Awoniyi replaces injured Osimhen ahead of qualifiers

Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace injured Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The Super Eagles announced Awoniyi’s return to the squad on Sunday through their official X account as Osimhen was ruled out of the two qualifiers following his delayed recovery from a muscle injury.

“Coventry City striker, Taiwo Awoniyi replaces Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau. Welcome back, Taiwo,” the Super Eagles announced.

Osimhen was initially included in coach Eric Chelle’s squad for the international window but has remained sidelined since sustaining an injury during Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Lig clash with Istanbul Basaksehir on September 5.

The striker was substituted after 33 minutes after experiencing discomfort around his left inner thigh, with Galatasaray subsequently describing the injury as an advanced moderate strain involving the right adductor muscle group.

Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe had earlier confirmed that Osimhen’s recovery was taking longer than expected.

“Victor Osimhen’s recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected,” Efoghe said.

Osimhen’s absence from Galatasaray’s squad for their league fixture against Trabzonspor on Saturday further ruled him out of Nigeria’s upcoming international assignments.

Awoniyi will now provide an additional attacking option for Chelle as the Super Eagles begin their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON.

Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau to face the Wild Dogs four days later.

The Super Eagles are also scheduled to face Russia in an international friendly at the Nizhny Novgorod Stadium on October 6.

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