Nigeria’s Super Eagles have suffered a major setback ahead of their decisive FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa, with star striker Victor Osimhen ruled out due to injury.
The 26-year-old Galatasaray forward was forced off during Saturday’s narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo after sustaining a shin bruise.
He limped off in the first half, leaving the team to rely on substitutes such as his replacement in the game, Cyriel Dessers, and Wolves new striker, Toluwase Arokodare, who later scored the winning goal.
According to Pulse Sports Nigeria and confirmed by Nigerian journalist Ojbsports, Osimhen will not travel with the team to South Africa for the crucial clash set for next Tuesday.
Also read: FIFA suspends Zambia, Congo, Pakistan from 2026 World Cup
The team doctor revealed that Osimhen woke up with discomfort and is unable to participate in the game.
The absence of Osimhen is a huge blow for Nigeria as they seek to close the six-point gap behind group leaders South Africa in Group C.
The Super Eagles must now find a way to overcome the challenge without their talismanic striker after keeping the dream of reaching the next World Cup alive with that narrow but deserved win against the Amavubi.
Amid this disappointment, Super Falcons defender Michelle Alozie also urged Nigerian fans to continue their support for the women’s team, reminding everyone not to forget the female stars who have recently brought glory to the nation.
This followed the packed Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, that hosted the tense and decisive game between Nigeria and Rwanda.
As Nigeria prepares for this important encounter, attention turns to how coach Eric Chelle, who also provided an update on Osimhen, will adapt his squad to cope without Osimhen in the battle for World Cup qualification.
While the striker is expected to return to Galatasaray for further tests and treatment, his absence from the Super Eagles squad against Bafana Bafana casts a doubt on the team’s strength upfront.
On Saturday, he was replaced by Cyriel Dessers, but the Belgium-born forward didn’t provide much threat for the Rwandans like Osimhen.
Second-half substitute, Tolu Arokodare, made the difference with his 51st-minute strike to keep Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
Arokodare will be trusted by coach Eric Chelle to lead the line for Nigeria on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles are at risk of missing a second consecutive World Cup due to their poor start to the qualifying series.
Saturday’s win was their second in seven matches, having drawn four and lost one.
South Africa is top of the group with 16 points, followed by the Benin Republic with 11 points, while the Eagles are third with 10 points.
The top team in the group will join eight other African countries that top their respective groups to pick the automatic tickets to the tournament, which will be played in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
PUNCH
