Osimhen Injury Worries Chelle as Iheanacho

Author: Gist Correspondent

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has been handed an injury concern after striker Victor Osimhen was forced off during Galatasaray's 3-2 Turkish Super Lig victory over Istanbul Basaksehir.

Osimhen limped off in the 33rd minute with a suspected muscle injury after opening the scoring in the 16th minute with his sixth league goal of the season. He was replaced by Baris Alper Yilmaz.

The Nigerian forward has been in impressive form, having recently scored a match-winning penalty against Goztepe and a brace against Corum.

Galatasaray eventually secured all three points through a late free-kick from Gabriel Sara after goals from Lucas Torreira and an own goal by Davinson Sánchez had kept the contest level.

Osimhen's injury comes at a crucial time for Chelle, whose side will host Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to Guinea-Bissau on September 29 in their opening qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.

Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho and Moses Usor have strengthened their cases for a return to the national team with impressive performances for their respective clubs.

Iheanacho scored twice in Bursaspor's 4-0 victory over Istanbulspor, taking his tally to six league goals and two assists in five matches this season.

The 29-year-old has now contributed eight goals and assists in five league appearances, putting himself back in contention for a place in the Super Eagles squad.

LASK forward Moses Usor has also continued his fine form, registering three goals and four assists in eight matches across all competitions this season.

The 24-year-old recently scored and provided an assist as LASK overturned a three-goal first-leg deficit to defeat Celtic 5-1 after extra time and qualify for the UEFA Champions League league phase.

Usor's ability to operate both as a winger and a supporting striker has further enhanced his chances of earning a national team recall.

With Osimhen's fitness now uncertain, Chelle could be forced to reconsider his attacking options ahead of the upcoming AFCON qualifiers, with Iheanacho and Usor emerging as strong contenders for selection.