Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen smiling and giving two thumbs up while seated inside a private jet, wearing a white tank top, diamond chain and luxury jewelry
Super Eagles Star Victor Osimhen traveling back to Nigeria ahead of the 2027 AFCON


Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen is traveling to Nigeria aboard a private jet for several weeks of rest and recovery after sustaining a muscle injury. 

The Galatasaray forward, who has been sidelined in recent weeks, is taking time away from club duties to recuperate. Osimhen missed Galatasaray's recent Turkish Cup victory as medical staff opted to rest him. His return to Nigeria comes during the international window when he would normally be with the national team.

Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria's opening qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations due to the injury. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on Sunday that his recovery from a muscle strain has been slower than expected. He was initially named in head coach Eric Chelle's 24-man squad despite picking up the injury in Galatasaray's 3-2 win over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4.

According to reports, Osimhen is making the trip in a private aircraft in the company of Benin Republic international Junior Olaitan. Olaitan, who is listed as a Benin national team player, is set to feature for the Cheetahs in their own AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.