Super Eagles of Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Tuesday’s decisive 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Bloemfontein.
The 25-year-old forward limped off midway through the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo after a heavy challenge from Claude Niyomugabo.
On Sunday, the Super Eagles’ camp confirmed that Osimhen will not be part of the travelling squad after the medical team assessed his condition.
“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.
Osimhen, who is expected to return to Galatasaray for further tests and treatment, leaves a major void in Nigeria’s attack.
His replacement on Saturday, Cyriel Dessers, struggled to impose himself, while second-half substitute Tolu Arokodare proved decisive, netting the 51st-minute winner that kept Nigeria’s qualification hopes alive.
Head coach Eric Chelle is now expected to put his trust in Arokodare to lead the line against Bafana Bafana.
Nigeria’s qualification campaign remains under pressure; Saturday’s win was only their second in seven matches, having drawn four and lost once. The Super Eagles sit third in the group with 10 points, trailing leaders South Africa (16 points) and the Benin Republic (11 points).
Only the top team in each group will automatically qualify for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, leaving Nigeria with little margin for error as they chase a return to football’s biggest stage.
