Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed the change after Osimhen was ruled out because his recovery from a muscle injury has taken longer than expected.
The Coventry City striker returns to the Super Eagles setup for the first time since October 2024, when he featured against Libya in the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Awoniyi has made 10 senior appearances for Nigeria, scoring two goals.
Osimhen was initially included in head coach Éric Chelle’s 24-man squad, with the technical team hoping he would recover in time for the international window. However, his continued absence from Galatasaray’s league fixture against Trabzonspor confirmed that he would not be available for the qualifiers.
Nigeria’s first qualifier is against Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25, followed by an away meeting with Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, September 29.
🔎 WHAT AWONIYI’S RETURN MEANS
Awoniyi gives Chelle another centre-forward option alongside Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and Rafiu Durosinmi, following Osimhen’s withdrawal. The coach will now decide how to adjust his attacking options for the two qualifiers.
🟡 SMoR ANGLE
Osimhen is out. Awoniyi is back.
After almost two years away from the Super Eagles, the Coventry City striker gets another opportunity to make an impact as Nigeria begins its road to AFCON 2027.
