World Cup qualifier: Osimhen to miss South Africa match

Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, has been ruled out of Tuesday’s all-important World Cup qualifier against the Banyana Banyana in Bloemfontein.

The Super Eagles on Saturday defeated Rwanda by a lone goal to boost their chances of qualification for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada.

The former African Footballer of the Year award winner sustained an injury during a match on Saturday, which initially cast doubt on his availability for the match.

Sporting Tribune reports that Osimhen limped off midway through the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo, after a challenge from Claude Niyomugabo.

Further update from the team’s camp on Sunday revealed Osimhen will not be involved in Tuesday’s game after the team doctor assesses his injury.

“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, revealed in a statement.

While the striker is expected to return to Galatasaray for further tests and treatment, his absence from the Super Eagles squad against Bafana Bafana casts a doubt on the team’s strength upfront.

On Saturday, he was replaced by Cyriel Dessers, but the Belgium-born forward didn’t provide much threat for the Rwandans like Osimhen.

Second-half substitute, Tolu Arokodare, made the difference with his 51st-minute strike to keep Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup hopes alive.

Arokodare will be trusted by coach Eric Chelle to lead the line for Nigeria on Tuesday.

The Super Eagles are at risk of missing a second consecutive World Cup due to their poor start to the qualifying series.

Saturday’s win was their second in seven matches, having drawn four and lost one.

South Africa is top of the group with 16 points, followed by the Benin Republic with 11 points, while the Eagles are third with 10 points.

READ ALSO FROM SPORTING TRIBUNE