Major boost: Taiwo Awoniyi replaces injured Victor Osimhen for AFCON qualifiers

Coventry City striker recalled after Osimhen’s recovery takes longer than expected

Taiwo Awoniyi has been called into Nigeria’s squad to replace Victor Osimhen for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Osimhen has been ruled out of the two matches after his recovery from a right adductor muscle strain took longer than expected, according to Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe.

The Galatasaray striker had initially been included in Nigeria’s squad for the international window, with hopes that he would recover sufficiently to take part in the qualifiers.

Those hopes have now ended, with Awoniyi receiving the call-up as Nigeria makes a change to its attacking options ahead of the two fixtures.

Osimhen’s return delayed

Osimhen’s fitness had been closely monitored after he suffered the right adductor injury.

His inclusion in the Nigeria squad reflected the expectation that he could regain full fitness before the qualifiers, but his recovery has not progressed quickly enough.

The striker was also unavailable for Galatasaray’s Süper Lig meeting with Trabzonspor on Saturday.

That match had been viewed by both Galatasaray and Nigeria officials as an important opportunity to assess whether Osimhen was ready to return to competitive action.

His absence from the game provided a further indication that he would not be ready in time for the national team’s upcoming commitments.

As a result, Nigeria has opted to bring in Awoniyi to fill the vacant place in the squad.

Awoniyi receives Nigeria call-up

Awoniyi will now join the Super Eagles squad ahead of the qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

The Coventry City striker returns to the national-team setup after Osimhen’s withdrawal from the squad.

The Super Eagles confirmed the change through their official X account, announcing Awoniyi as Osimhen’s replacement.

“Coventry City striker, Taiwo Awoniyi replaces Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau,” a statement on the Super Eagles official X handle confirmed.

“Welcome back, Taiwo. ”

The call-up gives Awoniyi an opportunity to step into the squad following the latest development surrounding Osimhen’s fitness.

Nigeria prepares for two qualifiers

The Super Eagles are now preparing for their 2027 AFCON qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau without Osimhen.

The striker’s injury means Nigeria will have to proceed with Awoniyi taking his place in the squad.

Osimhen had been expected to recover in time after being selected for the international window, but the extended recovery period has prevented him from joining the national team for the upcoming fixtures.

Awoniyi’s inclusion completes the change to Nigeria’s squad following the decision to rule Osimhen out.

The Coventry City striker will now link up with the Super Eagles as the team turns its attention to the two qualifiers.