Galatasaray braced for Osimhen absence as he leads Nigeria’s AFCON push | OneFootball

Galatasaray are braced for a hole in their title defence, with Victor Osimhen named in Nigeria’s AFCON finals squad in Morocco. According to Turkish-Football.com, the striker’s call-up leaves Okan Buruk facing a reshuffle.

A fan favourite and major goal threat, Osimhen will captain a 28-man Super Eagles squad under Eric Chelle as they chase a first continental crown since 2013. He is Nigeria’s second record goalscorer.

His participation means Galatasaray could be without him for up to seven matches, depending on Nigeria’s run. That includes league fixtures across late December and January and the Super Cup Final against Trabzonspor in early January. Should Galatasaray reach the next Champions League round, he may also miss key knockout ties.

Buruk must now lean on support acts such as Mauro Icardi and Leroy Sané, while Barış Alper Yılmaz could see greater minutes. The club may also look at a short-term loan to plug the gap.

Chelle’s squad blends experience with fresh faces, with Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi retained, and Ryan Alebiosu cleared and called up. In goal, Francis Uzoho returns alongside the injured Stanley Nwabali and Amas Obasogie. Former Beyond Limits midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro of Pisa earns a first senior call.

Paul Onuachu is recalled after strong Süper Lig form. Nigeria begin a camp in Egypt, including a 16 December test against the Pharaohs. They, runners-up at the last AFCON, are in Group C with Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, opening on 23 December in Fes.

Source: Turkish-Football.com