Nigeria’s hopes in their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign have taken a serious hit: star striker Victor Osimhen will miss Tuesday’s crucial match against South Africa due to an injury sustained over the weekend.
Osimhen was forced off during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo after suffering what was initially suspected to be an ankle issue. However, official updates from team sources revealed a twist: the injury is actually a bruise to his shin. “He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be traveling with the squad to South Africa,” announced Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe.
Head coach Eric Chelle had expressed uncertainty following the game. “He has pain in his ankle. We’ll see tomorrow after further medical review,” he said, underscoring the team’s wait-and-see approach.
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Osimhen’s absence leaves a glaring void in Nigeria’s attacking lineup. With Group C qualification hanging in the balance, the team must now look towards Tolu Arokodare—who scored the decisive goal against Rwanda—Cyriel Dessers, and other forwards to step up.
Previously, Osimhen’s return to the squad had offered a major boost after being left out of recent fixtures. His presence has been viewed as critical in Nigeria’s effort to leapfrog South Africa and secure automatic qualification. Now sitting third in the group, six points behind leaders South Africa, Nigeria’s path forward has grown more precarious.
For coach Chelle, it’s a strategic dilemma: adjusting tactics and reshuffling the frontline for a vital road test in Bloemfontein—now without their talisman. As the team prepares to depart Uyo, excitement and anxiety mingle. Nigeria’s World Cup dreams remain alive—but whether they can pathfind a new route forward without their star attacker remains to be seen.