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Victor Osimhen touched down in Lagos on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, despite pulling out of the Super Eagles squad ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures.
The Galatasaray striker had been named in coach Eric Chelle’s 24-man selection but was ruled out after failing to recover in time from a groin injury sustained against Istanbul Basaksehir.
His absence was made clearer when he missed Galatasaray’s 4-0 loss to Trabzonspor, a result that offered enough clarity on his fitness for the decision to withdraw him to be confirmed. Taiwo Awoniyi was called up as his replacement.
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Nigeria is scheduled to host Madagascar in Uyo on Friday, September 25, 2026, before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
Rather than resting abroad, the former Lille forward flew into Nigeria on a private jet alongside Junior Olaitan, the Benin international who plays for Besiktas in Turkey.
Footage from the arrival showed Osimhen boarding a red Ferrari 296GTB sports car after stepping off the jet. The 296GTB is part of Ferrari’s plug-in hybrid range, combining a twin-turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor.
Osimhen’s withdrawal is a significant blow to the Super Eagles ahead of what are crucial qualifiers for the 2027 AFCON tournament. He had been listed at the top of Chelle’s squad announcement, signalling his importance to the team’s attacking plans.
