Awoniyi Replaces Osimhen for AFCON Qualifiers

Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi has replaced Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, the Super Eagles confirmed Sunday on X.

Coventry City striker, Taiwo Awoniyi replaces Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Welcome back, Taiwo. 🦅#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/L5MMPoCpEU

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— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 20, 2026

Awoniyi, who recently joined newly promoted English club Coventry City from Nottingham Forest for £9 million, will join the national team for crucial fixtures against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau on September 29.

Awoniyi replaces Osimhen for AFCON qualifiers (News Central TV) — Awoniyi replaces Osimhen for AFCON qualifiers. Credit: Reuters

The swap follows Osimhen’s exclusion from the team after a right adductor muscle strain required a longer recovery period than anticipated.

Head coach Eric Chelle initially named Osimhen to the international roster, hoping he would regain fitness in time, using Galatasaray’s Süper Lig match against Trabzonspor as a benchmark.

However, after missing that fixture, medical staff ruled out the Galatasaray forward for both qualifiers, as well as an upcoming international friendly against Russia scheduled for October 6.

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Abisoye Adeyiga

Abisoye Adedoyin Adeyiga holds a PhD in Languages and Media Studies and a Master’s in Education (English Language). Trained in digital marketing and investigative journalism, she is passionate about new media’s transformative power. She enjoys reading, traveling, and meaningful conversations.