Victor Osimhen included in Super Eagles squad for AFCON 2026

Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray striker who has been sidelined by a lingering injury, has been named in Nigeria’s 24‑man squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The decision, made by head coach Éric Chelle, signals a willingness to gamble on a high‑profile forward despite his limited match fitness. For Osimhen, the call‑up is a chance to prove his resilience and re‑establish himself on the international stage after a season of club absences. For Nigeria, it is a strategic move to secure a proven goal‑scoring threat ahead of the high‑stakes fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea‑Bissau.

Chelle’s selection of Osimhen, who has missed recent club matches, reflects a calculated risk. The striker’s track recordover 50 goals for the Super Eaglesoffers a tangible edge in tight qualifiers. The coach’s confidence in Osimhen’s recovery likely stems from medical reports and training observations that suggest he is close to full fitness. Retaining a player of Osimhen’s calibre can galvanise the squad, providing a focal point for attack and a psychological boost for teammates who know a proven scorer is available when needed.

The squad also marks the comeback of Benjamin Fredrick, a defender whose knee injury had kept him out for months. Fredrick’s return strengthens the backline, offering experience that had been missing since his injury. Alongside him, Tolu Arokodare re‑enters the lineup, adding depth to the attack. The blend of seasoned internationals and fresh facessuch as Arthur Okonkwo, Isaac James, and George Ilenikhenacreates a balanced roster capable of adapting to the varied styles of the upcoming opponents.

With Ademola Lookman, Moses Simon, Akor Adams, and Victor Osimhen lining up as forwards, the Super Eagles possess a versatile front line. Osimhen’s pace and finishing ability complement Lookman’s dribbling and Simon’s work rate. This trio can stretch defenses, create space for midfielders like Wilfred Ndidi and Alex Iwobi, and provide multiple avenues for goal creation. The inclusion of Moses Read adds a youthful spark, potentially offering a different dynamic in the final third.

Nigeria’s squad selection mirrors a continental trend where national teams are increasingly willing to field injured stars for crucial qualifiers. This approach underscores the high stakes of AFCON qualification, where a single match can dictate a nation’s tournament trajectory. By prioritising experience and proven talent over full fitness, Nigeria aligns itself with other top African sides that have historically leaned on star power to secure qualification.

Given the squad’s composition, Nigeria is poised to deliver a strong start to its qualification campaign. The combination of seasoned internationals and emerging talents suggests that the team can adapt to different match situations. I anticipate that Osimhen will play a pivotal role, potentially scoring or assisting in the opening games, thereby setting a positive tone for the rest of the campaign.

The Super Eagles’ next steps will hinge on how quickly Osimhen and Fredrick regain full match readiness. If they perform as expected, Nigeria could secure a top spot in its group, paving the way for a confident run into the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.