A vital update regarding Victor Osimhen’s fitness was released by Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray, dealing a serious blow to Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying match against Libya.

The 25-year-old striker was hurt on September 28 during Galatasaray’s Super Lig match against Kasımpaşa.

Osimhen was pulled off the pitch at halfway owing to discomfort after scoring twice in the first half, his first goals for the Turkish powerhouses.

At halftime, former Napoli forward Dries Mertens took over for the Nigerian international, who had signalled to the technical bench for a change.

Read Also:Osimhen Finally Opens Goal Account With Galatasaray

After Osimhen left, Galatasaray faltered despite having a three-goal advantage and ultimately drew the game 3-3.

Osimhen attempted to allay fans’ worries about his health after the game by saying he was “fine” and that his leg merely caused him some discomfort.

On Tuesday, though, Galatasaray made a statement providing more information regarding the injury.

“The treatment of our football player Victor Osimhen, who felt pain in his upper left posterior muscle during the Kasımpaşa match… has been started,” read the club’s statement.

His left posterior muscle group had a strain and some little haemorrhage, according to the diagnostic.

Osimhen will be absent from Galatasaray’s next matches in the Super Lig against Alanyaspor on October 6 and the UEFA Europa League against Rigas FC on October 3.

It is also uncertain whether he will play in Nigeria’s AFCON qualifiers. On October 11, the Super Eagles will play Libya in Uyo.

On October 15, they will fly to Benghazi for the second leg.

If Osimhen cannot make a full recovery in time, it will be a big setback for Nigeria in their 3-0 triumph over Benin Republic in September.