{
  "id": 8142433,
  "title": "AFCON qualifiers: Injured Osimhen in as Ilenikhena gets first call-up",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/afcon-qualifiers-injured-osimhen-in-as-ilenikhena-gets-first-call-up",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T01:40:43.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/afcon-qualifiers-injured-osimhen-in-as-ilenikhena-gets-first-call-up/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's football team, the Super Eagles, have included injured Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen in their squad for upcoming international qualifiers, while Saudi-based forward George Ilenikhena has also earned his first call-up, reports PUNCH Sports Extra. The 24-man squad also includes captain Wilfred Ndidi, goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, defender Semi Ajayi, midfielder Alex Iwobi, forwards Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon, as well as several other players. The team will begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar in Uyo on September 25, followed by a match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29. The Russia friendly will provide an opportunity for the coach to test new players alongside the established ones.",
  "summary": "Despite sustaining an injury that has kept him out for two weeks, Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has been included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming international window, while Saudi-based forward George Ilenikhena has also earned his first call-up to the Super Eagles for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, PUNCH Read More:…",
  "key_points": [
    "Injured Osimhen included in Nigeria's 24-man squad for AFCON qualifiers.",
    "George Ilenikhena earns first call-up for Nigerian team.",
    "Team set to begin 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The inclusion of injured Victor Osimhen and newcomer George Ilenikhena in the Super Eagles' squad suggests a strategic approach by the coach to blend experience with fresh talent ahead of the AFCON qualifiers.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "AFCON qualifiers: Injured Osimhen in as Ilenikhena gets first call-up",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/18/afcon-qualifiers-injured-osimhen-in-as-ilenikhena-gets-first-call-up-8143882",
        "published": "2026-09-18T01:48:41.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}