Awoniyi Replaces Osimhen in Super Eagles Squad for AFCON Qualifiers

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

The Super Eagles confirmed Awoniyi’s inclusion on Sunday in a post on their official X account, welcoming the striker back to the national team.

“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 team announced.

Awoniyi’s invitation follows Osimhen’s withdrawal from the squad after his recovery from a muscle injury was delayed.

Osimhen had initially been included in Eric Chelle’s squad for the September 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. Galatasaray subsequently described 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.

His continued absence from Galatasaray’s squad for their league fixture against Trabzonspor on Saturday further indicated that he would not be fit for Nigeria’s upcoming assignments.

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

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

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