Victor Osimhen is scheduled to undergo an MRI scan in Istanbul after he was forced off Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying defeat with a suspected hamstring injury that could rule him out of both a major derby and the upcoming AFCON tournament.
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen is facing a period “on the sidelines” after sustaining an injury during the Super Eagles’ World Cup qualifying defeat against DR Congo, which saw Nigeria miss a “second consecutive World Cup.”
According to a report from The Standard, the talismanic Galatasaray striker was substituted at half-time during the match, which Nigeria lost following a penalty shootout.
The player was seen in tears as he was replaced by Akor Adams, and later spotted limping around the pitch at full-time.
Speaking after the match, Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle confirmed the issue, stating: “Osimhen was substituted at half-time due to discomfort he felt behind his leg.”
Reports in the Turkish press indicate that the player is en route back to Istanbul to undergo an MRI scan.
Turkish journalist Ali Naci Kucuk elaborated on the situation to Sky Spor TR, confirming a late meeting was held and that the “exact situation will become clear after the MRI.”
Kucuk noted a “[There is] suspicion of either a muscle or hamstring injury. Osimhen couldn’t continue the match because he felt pain in one of the two areas.”
Crucially, Kucuk estimated there is a “51% chance Osimhen won’t play in the Fenerbahçe derby in Kadıköy” on December 1.
Furthermore, Osimhen, who has struggled with similar injuries in recent seasons, has just five weeks to recover to represent Nigeria in their opening AFCON tie against Tanzania on December 23.