2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Suffer Blow As Victor Osimhen Ruled Out Of South Africa Clash
2 min read
By Sportsgister
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been handed a major setback ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, as star striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out due to injury.
Osimhen, who currently plays for Turkish giants Galatasaray, sustained the injury during Nigeria’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rwanda’s Amavubi at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo, on Saturday. The 26-year-old was forced off in the first half after an awkward challenge and was immediately replaced by Cyriel Dessers.
Head coach Eric Chelle had initially told reporters after the game that Osimhen’s situation would be further assessed before the team’s departure to South Africa. However, the Nigeria Football Federation, through the Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, confirmed on Sunday that the striker woke up with discomfort on his chin and will not be fit to travel with the squad.
“Victor Osimhen will not be part of the squad to South Africa. He will return to his club in Turkey for further medical evaluation and treatment,” Efoghe announced.
The absence of Osimhen—Nigeria’s top scorer and one of Africa’s most feared strikers—comes as a huge blow to the Super Eagles, who are still battling to recover from a shaky start in the qualification series. His work rate, goal-scoring instinct, and leadership in attack have been crucial to Nigeria’s campaign.
The onus will now fall on the likes of Cyriel Dessers, Victor Boniface, and Kelechi Iheanacho to step up and deliver in Tuesday’s all-important clash against South Africa at the Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein.
The fixture, which is Matchday 8 of the African qualifiers, is seen as a make-or-break encounter for Nigeria’s chances of booking a place in the 2026 World Cup, set to be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
