Injured Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has confirmed he will be at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday to support his teammates in their AFCON 2027 qualifier against Madagascar.
The Galatasaray forward was left out of Coach Éric Chelle’s squad because of injury, but he will be in the stands when the match kicks off at 5pm Nigerian time.
‘Of course, I will be in Uyo to support my teammates, though I won’t be involved in the match on the field,’ Osimhen told NationSport. ‘They need all the support, so I will be in Uyo to boost their morale.’
His absence is a considerable blow to the Super Eagles. Osimhen is the team’s leading scorer and has been the focal point of the attack for several years. His pace, movement and finishing have repeatedly given Nigeria an edge in tight games, and he is widely rated among Africa’s most dangerous forwards.
Without him, Chelle must look to other options up front. Coventry City’s Taiwo Awoniyi is among those expected to fill the void as Nigeria chase a strong start to their ‘Pamoja 2027’ qualifying campaign.
The Madagascar tie is the first of a double-header. The Super Eagles then travel to face Guinea-Bissau at the 24 September Stadium in Bissau on Tuesday, 29 September.
Osimhen’s presence in Uyo is expected to lift morale in a squad that will feel the loss of its most prolific marksman.