Super Eagles star Osimhen withdraws from AFCON squad

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has left the Nigeria national team camp in Morocco during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), raising questions about the team’s attacking options ahead of the tournament’s final stages, reports indicate.

The Galatasaray forward reportedly exited the squad due to a minor injury sustained during the semi-final clash against Morocco, which ended in a tense penalty shootout defeat for Nigeria. Osimhen has returned to Turkey for treatment, leaving the Super Eagles to adjust their lineup without their star striker.

Osimhen played a pivotal role throughout Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, including scoring in the quarter-final victory over Algeria, and his absence is seen as a significant blow to Nigeria’s attacking strength.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and head coach Eric Chelle have assured fans that the player’s departure was strictly for medical reasons, and emphasised that team harmony and tactical readiness remain intact.

The NFF also dismissed reports of internal conflicts, clarifying that earlier disagreements with teammate Ademola Lookman had been resolved internally.