Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen will miss Tuesday’s crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein, PUNCH Online reports.
The injury occurred during Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda, when Osimhen limped off after a challenge from Claude Niyomugabo.
After assessing the injury, the team doctor confirmed that Osimhen has a bruise on his chin and will not travel with the team to South Africa.
Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe in a WhatsApp message reportedly wrote that, “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.”
Osimhen’s absence will be felt on the pitch, especially since he was replaced by Cyriel Dessers who replaced him earlier, but Tolu Arokodare, who scored the winner, is expected to lead the attack.
Arokodare, in a second-half substitute, made a significant contribution with his 51st-minute goal, keeping Nigeria’s World Cup hopes alive.
Nigeria sits third in the group with 10 points, behind South Africa (16) and the Benin Republic (11), risking a second straight World Cup miss.
Coach Eric Chelle is likely to trust Arokodare to lead the line against South Africa.
With only two wins in seven matches, the Super Eagles need to regroup and come up with a winning strategy.
South Africa tops the group with 16 points, followed by the Benin Republic with 11 points, and Nigeria with 10 points. The top team in each group will secure automatic tickets to the tournament.
