Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen will not be available for Nigeria’s upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying fixtures after his recovery from a muscle strain took longer than initially expected, SavidNews can report.

Osimhen had been included in Nigeria’s squad after Galatasaray and the Super Eagles technical crew were hopeful that the forward would recover in time to feature in the club’s Süper Lig clash with Trabzonspor and subsequently join up with the national team.

However, his absence from Galatasaray’s match against Trabzonspor has confirmed that the striker is still recovering from the injury.

According to information from NFF Media, Galatasaray had communicated Osimhen’s fitness situation to Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, with the latest assessment indicating that the forward would not be available for Nigeria’s fixtures.

The development is a setback for the Super Eagles, with Osimhen having been included in Chelle’s squad for the upcoming AFCON qualifying assignments.

The striker sustained the muscle injury during Galatasaray’s league fixture earlier this month, prompting concerns over his availability for both club and country.

Osimhen’s recovery has consequently extended beyond the initial expectations of the club and national-team technical staff.

The Super Eagles will now have to prepare for the qualifiers without one of their leading attacking options as Chelle looks to other players within his squad.

The latest development also means Osimhen is expected to continue his rehabilitation with Galatasaray rather than joining the Nigeria camp during the current international window.

Further details on the striker’s recovery timeline and possible return to action will depend on subsequent medical assessments.