Taiwo Awoniyi has been called into Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after Victor Osimhen was ruled out of the upcoming matches against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle confirmed that the Coventry City striker will take Osimhen’s place after the Napoli forward continued his recovery from a muscle strain.
The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed Osimhen’s absence after the striker was unable to return to action for Galatasaray ahead of the international break.
The forward had initially been named in Nigeria’s squad after both Galatasaray and the Super Eagles technical team remained hopeful that he would recover in time to feature against Trabzonspor and then join the national team.
However, Osimhen’s continued absence from Galatasaray’s match prompted the Turkish club to inform Chelle that the striker would not be fit for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.
Awoniyi was not included in Chelle’s original 24 man squad announced on September 17, but has now been brought into the team as a replacement.
The Super Eagles welcomed his return in a brief message, confirming that the Coventry City striker would join the squad for the AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to Bissau for their second Group L fixture against Guinea Bissau on September 29.
The Super Eagles are expected to begin preparations in Uyo ahead of the two matches as they continue their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON tournament.
