Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen has been sidelined and will miss Tuesday’s vital 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
The striker was forced off midway through the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo, following a tackle from Claude Niyomugabo.
An update from the team’s camp on Sunday confirmed that Osimhen will miss Tuesday’s clash after the team doctor evaluated his injury.
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“Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his chin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be travelling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game,” Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe wrote in a WhatsApp message shared with PUNCH.
The striker is expected to undergo further tests and treatment at Galatasaray, but his absence against Bafana Bafana puts the Super Eagles’ attacking options in doubt.
On Saturday, Cyriel Dessers came on as his replacement, but the Belgium-born forward failed to pose the same level of threat to Rwanda as Osimhen.
Second-half substitute Tolu Arokodare proved decisive, scoring in the 51st minute to keep Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup aspirations on track.
Coach Eric Chelle is set to rely on Arokodare to spearhead Nigeria’s attack on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles face the danger of missing back-to-back World Cups following a disappointing start to the qualifying campaign.
Saturday’s victory marked only their second win in seven games, alongside four draws and a single loss.
South Africa leads the group with 16 points, trailed by the Benin Republic on 11 points, while the Super Eagles sit in third with 10 points.
The group leader will secure an automatic spot at the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, joining eight other African nations that top their respective groups.
