Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has called up Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi to replace Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Osimhen withdrew from the squad after failing to recover from a muscle injury that has kept him out of Galatasaray’s last three matches against Kocaelispor, Sporting Lisbon and Trabzonspor.

The injury is a setback for the Super Eagles, with the 27-year-old striker making an impressive start to the season, scoring six goals and providing two assists in four Turkish Super Lig appearances.

Awoniyi’s invitation was confirmed by the Super Eagles on their official X account on Saturday.

“Coventry City striker, Taiwo Awoniyi replaces Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

“Welcome back, Taiwo.”

Awoniyi, who joined Coventry City during the summer transfer window, returns to the national team after a difficult start to the new campaign at club level.

The former Nottingham Forest striker will now have an opportunity to impress Chelle as Nigeria prepare for two crucial Group L qualifiers.

The Super Eagles will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to Bissau to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.

With Osimhen unavailable, Awoniyi will be among the attacking options tasked with helping Nigeria begin their qualifying campaign strongly.