Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has left Nigeria’s camp in Casablanca ahead of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 third-place playoff against Egypt.
The Galatasaray forward flew back to Turkey on Thursday for treatment on the injury he picked up during Nigeria’s semi-final loss to hosts Morocco.
Osimhen, who captained the Super Eagles in the semi-final due to Wilfred Ndidi’s suspension, was substituted late in the match after sustaining the injury.
According to Eagles Online, sources in the camp said his early departure follows standard practice, as clubs usually prefer to handle the medical care of their players while they are on international duty.
“Since he is injured and won’t feature in the third-place match, he decided to return early for treatment,” a camp source revealed. “That is a normal procedure. Clubs believe their medical teams understand the players better.”
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Osimhen’s absence suggests that head coach Eric Chelle will rotate the squad for the playoff against Egypt. Reports say the Malian tactician plans to give opportunities to bench and fringe players, similar to Nigeria’s group-stage game against Uganda, which included several changes.
“There isn’t usually much emphasis placed on third-place matches,” another source explained. “If Nigeria had reached the final, Osimhen might have stayed on, but under the circumstances, it made sense for him to leave.”
Nigeria will also be without defender Calvin Bassey, who is suspended after picking up his second booking of the tournament in the semi-final against Morocco, despite a strong performance in defence.
Nigeria and Egypt will play the third-place match on Saturday at 5pm, with Chelle expected to adjust his lineup as the Super Eagles aim to finish their AFCON 2025 campaign on a positive note.