Osimhen out for Tanzania AFCON qualifiers after knee surgery, Chelle faces must-win test
Victor Osimhen misses Nigeria's AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Tanzania after arthroscopic surgery on a left knee strain suffered during Galatasaray's Champions League match against Stuttgart. The Turkish club hasn't set a return date but expects him sidelined for weeks—his second straight international absence.
Conspiracy theories questioning his commitment have flared, but sports analyst Ope Adebari notes Osimhen attended the Madagascar game in Uyo last window despite injury and has never declined a competitive call-up. The reality: Nigeria has no other top-class striker. Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena (not called up) are the next best options, but both struggle in Eric Chelle's diamond system.
Madagascar's 1-1 draw with Guinea-Bissau boosted Nigeria's group standing, but there's zero margin for error. For the first time, Chelle has eight midfielders of varied profiles to properly execute his formation—the question is whether he'll deploy them or keep forcing wingers into inverted roles.
Two wins against Tanzania are mandatory. Anything less likely ends AFCON hopes and could cost Chelle his job, with his contract situation unresolved. The double-header is effectively a referendum on his tenure.