Nigeria have suffered a major setback ahead of Saturday’s AFCON 2025 third-place clash with Egypt following the departure of star striker Victor Osimhen from the Super Eagles camp in Morocco.
The Galatasaray forward left Casablanca on Thursday to return to Turkey, where he will continue treatment for the injury he sustained during Nigeria’s semi-final loss to host nation Morocco.
Osimhen’s exit comes as a significant blow for head coach Eric Chelle, who had hoped to have his top attacker available for the tournament’s final match. The striker picked up the injury in the physical semi-final encounter, and after medical evaluations, it was decided that he should return to his club to begin rehabilitation under the supervision of Galatasaray.
Throughout the tournament, Osimhen has been one of Nigeria’s standout performers, offering leadership, goals and a constant attacking presence. His departure not only reduces Nigeria’s attacking strength but also highlights the physical demands of a gruelling AFCON campaign. As the Super Eagles prepare for the third-place playoff against Egypt, Chelle will now be forced to adjust his attacking options, relying on his remaining forwards to rise to the occasion and end the tournament on a positive note without their talisman.
