Nigeria will be without striker Victor Osimhen for Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa after the forward was ruled out with injury.
Osimhen sustained a chin bruise during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo and was substituted in the first half.
Team doctors confirmed on Sunday that the Galatasaray man woke up with discomfort and has not traveled with the squad to Bloemfontein.
“Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his chin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be traveling with the squad to South Africa,” the Super Eagles medical team said in a statement.
His absence is a setback for head coach Eric Chelle, who is expected to turn to Cyriel Dessers or Tolu Arokodare in attack.
Meanwhile, Arokodare scored the decisive goal against Rwanda to keep Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive.
Nigeria are third in Group C with 10 points, six behind leaders South Africa.
Victory at the Free State Stadium is crucial to close the gap and strengthen their push for a World Cup ticket.