Turkish champions Galatasaray have confirmed that Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has received a call-up from the Super Eagles ahead of their opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.

The development comes despite uncertainty surrounding Osimhen’s fitness after the forward suffered a right groin injury during Galatasaray’s 3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir on September 4. He scored after 16 minutes before being substituted in the 33rd minute.  

Turkish football journalist Ali Naci Küçük reported that Osimhen and AC Milan forward Rafael Leão had both been called up by their respective national teams for the upcoming international window.

“Victor Osimhen and Rafael Leão have been called up to their national teams,” Küçük posted.

Galatasaray subsequently confirmed that medical examinations showed Osimhen had suffered a moderate-to-advanced strain, with bleeding, in the right adductor muscle group. The club said treatment had commenced.  

The invitation therefore does not necessarily mean Osimhen will feature for Nigeria, with his fitness expected to determine whether he can join coach Eric Chelle’s squad and participate in the qualifiers.

Nigeria are scheduled to begin their Group L campaign against Madagascar before travelling to Guinea-Bissau for their second fixture. The Super Eagles will host Madagascar on September 25 in Uyo before facing Guinea-Bissau away on September 29.  

Osimhen’s potential availability is particularly significant for Chelle, who is preparing for Nigeria’s first AFCON qualifying campaign since the 2025 tournament. The striker remains one of the team’s principal attacking options.

The Galatasaray forward had started the 2026/27 season in impressive goalscoring form, registering six goals and two assists in four appearances before the injury setback.  

His absence would add to Chelle’s selection concerns, with fellow Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu also carrying an injury after being forced off during Trabzonspor’s 5-0 victory over Gençlerbirliği. Other Nigeria internationals have also recently spent time on the injury list.  

Osimhen’s participation would also have personal significance as he continues his pursuit of Nigeria’s all-time goalscoring record. The 27-year-old has scored 35 goals for the Super Eagles, leaving him two behind the late Rashidi Yekini’s record of 37.  

For now, Galatasaray’s confirmation places Osimhen among the players formally called up for the September international window, but his medical condition remains the key factor in determining whether he will actually feature for Nigeria against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.