Awoniyi Replaces Injured Osimhen in Super Eagles Qualifiers Squad
Irikefe Oghenetega Victor
Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace the injured Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s Super Eagles squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Osimhen was initially named in coach Éric Chelle’s squad but has been ruled out after his recovery from a right adductor muscle strain took longer than expected. The Galatasaray striker missed the club’s match against Trabzonspor on 19 September, confirming he would not be available for the international window.
The Super Eagles announced the change on their official X account, stating that the Coventry City striker replaces Osimhen for the upcoming fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Awoniyi, 29, recently completed a £9 million move from Nottingham Forest to newly promoted Premier League side Coventry City. He returns to the national team for the first time since October 2024, when he last featured against Libya.
Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, 25 September, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, 29 September. Camp is expected to open in Uyo around 21 September.
The call-up provides Chelle with another experienced striking option alongside Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams and Samuel Chukwueze as the Super Eagles begin their qualifying campaign.
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