Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday in Bloemfontein.
The Galatasaray forward limped off during Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday after picking up a shin injury. He initially attempted to continue but was replaced by Cyril Dessers in the 35th minute.
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According to Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe, team doctors confirmed Osimhen sustained a bruise on his shin and was in discomfort the following morning.
He did not travel with the squad to South Africa on Sunday and will return to Galatasaray for further assessment.
Osimhen’s absence is a major setback for coach Eric Chelle, who must now find a way to outscore Bafana Bafana without Nigeria’s most lethal goalscorer.
Dessers, who struggled to make an impact against Rwanda, is expected to step in again.
