Nigeria have suffered a major setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying double-header against Tanzania, with Victor Osimhen ruled out after sustaining a left knee injury during Galatasaray’s UEFA Champions League encounter against Stuttgart.

Sports247 reports that the Super Eagles striker reportedly picked up the injury after slipping and falling while attempting to make a pass during the European fixture.

The playing surface appeared slippery, and the incident raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding his injury.

Osimhen’s latest setback will be a significant concern for both Galatasaray and Nigeria, given his importance to their attacking ambitions.

The forward has become a central figure for the Super Eagles, and his absence leaves the national team without one of its most influential attacking options for the upcoming international fixtures.

Questions have also emerged over why the striker continued playing until the final whistle despite concerns that he had sustained an injury.

While the full circumstances surrounding the medical team’s decision remain unclear, an earlier assessment or substitution could have been considered to avoid exposing the player to further risk.

However, without an official medical explanation, it would be premature to conclude that his continued involvement worsened the injury.

For Nigeria, the timing could hardly be more challenging. The Super Eagles must now prepare to face Tanzania without a striker whose presence, movement and goal threat offer a major advantage in crucial qualifying matches.

The development also renews concerns about Osimhen’s recurring injury problems, with supporters hoping the latest setback will not keep him out of action for an extended period.

As the Nigerian international begins his recovery, attention will turn to the medical assessment and rehabilitation process, with both club and country eager to see him return to full fitness.

Everyone will be hoping for a successful recovery and a stronger return for one of Nigeria’s most important players.

The post Osimhen Injury Blow: Super Eagles Lose Key Striker Ahead of Tanzania AFCON Qualifiers appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

As accolades continue to pour in for Coach Akeem Busari, handler of Nigeria’s female cadet national team, the Flamingos, a grassroots promoter has revealed how the gaffer won an award in 2014, Sports247 reports.

READ ALSO: Flamingos’ Coach Akeem Busari Cited As ‘True Product Of Nigerian Grassroots System’ | Sports247 Nigeria

This hugely nostalgic revelation came from the secretary-general of the Nigerian Grassroots Football Federation (NGFF), Pastor Oscar Ezinwa Emmanuel, who disclosed that he personally rewarded Coach Busari after noticing the tactician’s efforts in youth development.

The NGFF scribe, who is fondly called ‘TM Oscar,’ recalled how Busari showed early signs of his potential while in charge of DUFA Football Academy of Ajangbadi, Lagos, after which he stepped up as the head coach at Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) of Ibadan.

‘TM Oscar’ went on to commend the efforts of all players in Coach Busari’s Flamingos’ squad at the ongoing FIFA Women’s U17 World Cup in Morocco and expressed a ray of hope that they will beat Brazil in Wednesday’s semi-final.

The renowned youth developer and founder of Pison Divine Royals Sports Promotions went on to predict that the Flamingos will not only defeat Brazil in their midweek semi-final tussle but also go on to win the trophy this weekend in Rabat, Morocco.

“Truly, they are worthy Nigerian football ambassadors. From the way the young girls are going, they should lift the trophy. I have seen great energy in them, full determination, devotion and, above all, unity. There is a lot of togetherness among them.

“I am also happy that Coach Akeem Busari has proved me right when we gave him an award in 2014. It was at the annual Pison Divine Royals Grassroots Sports Awards, when we recognised him for his performances in grooming future stars for Nigeria.

“I am happy with his performance in Nigerian football. I wish him and his team the very best against Brazil on Wednesday,” TM Oscar stated in an exclusive chat with Sports247 ahead of this week’s semi-final.

The post 12 Years After: Coach Akeem Busari Has Justified Grassroots Football Award That He Won In 2014 – TM Oscar appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.

Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has invited 31 home-based players to the Olympic Eagles camp ahead of Nigeria’s crucial U23 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures against the Democratic Republic of Congo, as the country intensifies preparations for a return to Olympic men’s football at Los Angeles 2028.

Sports247 reports that the provisional squad comprises four goalkeepers, nine defenders, eight midfielders and 10 forwards drawn largely from clubs competing in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

All invited players are expected to report to AM2PM Hotel in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State, on Sunday, October 25, ahead of the two-legged qualifying encounter scheduled for November.

Nigeria will travel to Lubumbashi for the first leg against DR Congo at the TP Mazembe Stadium on Friday, November 13, before hosting the return fixture at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne on Tuesday, November 17.

The aggregate winner will progress to the final qualifying round for the U23 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Egypt. The continental tournament will serve as Africa’s qualification pathway for the men’s football competition at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Nigeria received a bye into the second qualifying round, while DR Congo advanced after eliminating Mauritania.

Sporting Lagos have five representatives in the squad, including goalkeeper Ebenezer Harcourt, defender Hillary Zion, midfielders Victor Samuel and Muhammad Salihu, and forward Ayoola Olaniyan.

Rivers United contribute four players, while Warri Wolves also have four representatives. Ikorodu City, Nasarawa United and Rangers International are among the other clubs represented.

The invitations provide an opportunity for domestic league players to demonstrate their qualities at international level. Nigeria’s men’s football team has enjoyed considerable Olympic success, winning gold at Atlanta 1996, silver at Beijing 2008 and bronze at Rio 2016.

However, the country failed to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 tournaments. The upcoming qualifiers therefore represent another opportunity to rebuild Nigeria’s Olympic football ambitions.

With Chelle assembling a squad dominated by domestic talents, attention now turns to preparations in Ijebu-Ode as the Olympic Eagles target a positive result against DR Congo and another step towards Los Angeles 2028.

FULL LIST OF INVITED PLAYERS

Goalkeepers (4): Chinemerem Olughu (Nasarawa United), Clinton Andy (Rivers United), Ebenezer Harcourt (Sporting Lagos), Michael Atata (Ikorodu City).

Defenders (9): Gift Subi (Warri Wolves), Hillary Zion (Sporting Lagos), Emmanuel Utake (Rivers United), Chibueze Oputa (Rangers International), Marvelous Freedom (Ikorodu City), Kenneth Igboke (Rangers International), Odinaka Alfred (Nasarawa United), Emmanuel Ochobi (Rivers United), Aliu Sugau (Barau FC).

Midfielders (8): Freeman Wuchirwe (Bendel Insurance), Victor Samuel (Sporting Lagos), Umar Mohammed (Nasarawa United), Lucky Oraro (Warri Wolves), Aderemi Adeoye (Ikorodu City), Sani Shuaibu (Warri Wolves), Muhammad Salihu (Sporting Lagos), Jude Eventus (Warri Wolves).

Forwards (10): Junior Ikechukwu (Ikorodu City), Timothy Zechariah (Rivers United), Williams Wonah (Enyimba FC), Ayoola Olaniyan (Sporting Lagos), Chijioke Samuel (Enyimba FC), Jofrank Joshua (Nasarawa United), Chimobi Igwilo (Rangers International), Alex Oweifaleya (Bendel Insurance), Abdulmuiz Adeleke (Sporting Supreme), Habila Simon (Wikki Tourists).

The post LA 2028 Olympics Race: Chelle Invites 31 Home-Based Players for Crucial DR Congo U23 AFCON Qualifiers appeared first on Sports247 Nigeria.