Victor Osimhen is now a significant doubt for Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Libya.

Galatasaray has confirmed that the striker sustained a muscle injury during their league match against Kasımpaşa last weekend.

Osimhen was substituted after half-time after scoring twice in the first half. While the 25 year-old initially stated that his exit was a precautionary measure, the latest update from Galatasaray suggests otherwise.

The club has confirmed that the player has begun treatment for the muscle injury.

“The treatment of our football player Victor Osimhen, who experienced pain in his upper left posterior muscle during the Kasımpaşa match in the seventh week of the Trendyol Super League, and who was diagnosed with strain and bleeding in his upper left posterior muscle group during his examination at our sponsor hospital Medicana today, has commenced,” read a statement on the club’s official website.

Victor Osimhen during the UEFA Europa League match against PAOK FC. (Photo by Ahmad Mora – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

With Super Eagles caretaker coach, Austin Eguavoen expected to announce the squad list for the matches against Libya this week, Osimhen is at risk of missing out.

Victor Osimhen’s recovery timeline will depend on the severity of his muscle injury. For a mild strain, he could be sidelined for about 3 to 6 weeks.

Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen celebrate. Photo | X

However, if the injury is more severe, the recovery could take longer, and in some cases, surgery may be required, extending the rehabilitation period significantly.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to host Libya in Uyo on October 11, before traveling to Benghazi for the second leg on October 15.