Photo: Victor Osimhen
By Mandy Park
Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has arrived in Nigeria aboard a private jet, days after withdrawing from the squad for the country’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Osimhen touched down in Lagos on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, despite being ruled out of the two crucial qualifiers because of a muscle injury sustained while playing for Turkish champions Galatasaray.
The 27-year-old forward had initially been included in head coach Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad announced for the qualifiers, but the Nigeria Football Federation subsequently confirmed that he would miss both matches after his recovery took longer than initially expected.
The injury was suffered during Galatasaray’s Turkish Super Lig clash with Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4. Osimhen scored before being forced off in the 33rd minute after experiencing discomfort in his right thigh.
Although there had initially been hopes that he would recover in time for the international window, his continued absence from Galatasaray’s subsequent fixtures eventually ruled him out of the Super Eagles’ double-header.
He also missed Galatasaray’s 4-0 defeat to Trabzonspor on September 19, prompting confirmation of his withdrawal from the Nigerian squad.
Rather than remain in Turkey to continue his recovery, Osimhen travelled to Nigeria on a private jet alongside Junior Olaitan, the Benin Republic international who plays for Turkish club Besiktas.
Footage of his arrival showed the Nigerian striker leaving the airport in a red Ferrari 296GTB sports car.
The Ferrari 296GTB is a plug-in hybrid sports car powered by a twin-turbocharged V6 engine working with an electric motor. Reports on the value of Osimhen’s particular vehicle have placed.
it at around ₦800 million, although such valuations can vary depending on specification, taxes and import costs.
Osimhen’s arrival in Nigeria comes as the Super Eagles prepare for their first competitive assignments in the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, September 25, before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
The matches form part of Group L of the 2027 AFCON qualifying series.
According to the Confederation of African Football, Tanzania are already guaranteed a place at the tournament as one of the three co-hosts, alongside Kenya and Uganda.
Consequently, Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will be contesting the qualifying position available to the highest-placed non-host nation in the group.
Osimhen’s absence therefore deprives Chelle of one of his most experienced attacking options at the start of the campaign.
The striker has established himself as one of Nigeria’s principal goal threats and has scored 35 goals in 52 appearances for the Super Eagles since making his international debut in 2017.
Awoniyi brought in as replacement
Following Osimhen’s withdrawal, Taiwo Awoniyi was called up as his replacement.
Chelle, however, still has several attacking options available, including Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and George Ilenikhena.
Ilenikhena, who is among the new faces in the squad, was handed his first senior call-up as Chelle seeks to build depth in the attack.
The Super Eagles will be hoping to begin their qualifying campaign with a positive result against Madagascar before travelling to Bissau four days later for their second Group L fixture.
Osimhen’s decision to return to Nigeria despite being unavailable for selection has also attracted attention, with his arrival coming just days before the Super Eagles begin their bid to qualify for the 2027 continental championship.
