Chijioke Gabriel
Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign has suffered a major setback after star striker Victor Osimhen was ruled out of Tuesday’s decisive clash against South Africa in Bloemfontein.
Osimhen, who started in Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo, limped off midway through the first half following a heavy challenge from Claude Niyomugabo. Initial fears were confirmed on Sunday when team doctors announced the Napoli forward would not travel with the squad to South Africa.
“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, said in a message to journalists.
The 26-year-old forward is expected to return to his club side, Galatasaray, for further assessment and treatment. His absence leaves coach Eric Chelle with a huge selection headache, as the Eagles struggle to regain momentum in their World Cup qualifying group.
On Saturday, Osimhen was replaced by Cyriel Dessers, who failed to replicate the same attacking threat. It took second-half substitute Tolu Arokodare’s 51st-minute strike to rescue Nigeria and keep their qualification hopes alive.
Despite the victory, the Super Eagles remain third in Group C with 10 points—behind South Africa (16 points) and Benin Republic (11 points). Only the group winners will qualify automatically for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, raising the stakes for Tuesday’s match in Bloemfontein.
With Osimhen out, all eyes will be on Arokodare, who is tipped to lead the line against Bafana Bafana. But doubts persist over Nigeria’s firepower without their talisman, especially as the team has managed just two wins in seven qualifying matches so far.
The Super Eagles are desperate to avoid missing a second consecutive World Cup after their painful absence from Qatar 2022.