Super Eagles suffer blow as Osimhen misses South Africa trip
Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes have been dealt a major setback after team doctors confirmed that star striker Victor Osimhen will not travel with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s crucial clash against Bafana Bafana.
Osimhen, who was substituted during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo, was diagnosed with a shin bruise.
According to medical updates, the forward woke up on Sunday with discomfort and has since been ruled out of the trip as a precaution.
The absence of the talismanic striker—Nigeria’s leading goalscorer in recent campaigns—leaves Coach Finidi George with a major selection headache ahead of the must-win encounter in Bloemfontein.
Nigeria currently sit third in Group D with 10 points, behind leaders South Africa on 16 points and Benin Republic on 11 points. With only three matches left, the Eagles must secure maximum points in their remaining fixtures to keep qualification hopes alive.
Osimhen’s injury adds to the tension surrounding the match, following earlier controversy over South African authorities’ refusal to grant landing clearance for Nigeria’s delegation.
The Super Eagles will now look to Tolu Arokodare, who scored the decisive goal against Rwanda, as well as Kelechi Iheanacho and other forwards to step up in Osimhen’s absence.
