{
  "id": 8143882,
  "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",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-18T01:48:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch",
    "slug": "punch",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/afcon-qualifiers-injured-osimhen-in-as-ilenikhena-gets-first-call-up/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, have included injured striker Victor Osimhen in their squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. However, Saudi-based forward George Ilenikhena, who has been called up for the first time, has also earned a spot in the 24-man squad. This news comes as Nigeria prepares to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in qualifier matches. The team will also participate in an international friendly against Russia in Novgorod.",
  "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": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "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",
        "published": "2026-09-18T01:40:43.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}