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Uyo, Nigeria – The Super Eagles have been dealt a major blow ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa, as star striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out with injury.
Osimhen limped off midway through the first half of Saturday’s 1–0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo, following a challenge from Claude Niyomugabo. Initial fears were confirmed on Sunday when team doctor reports indicated the Napoli forward would not travel with the squad to Bloemfontein.
“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 shared with sunsport.
While Osimhen is expected to return to his club, Galatasaray, for further assessment and treatment, his absence leaves Nigeria short of attacking firepower in the decisive fixture.
On Saturday, he was replaced by Cyriel Dessers, who failed to trouble the Rwandan defense. It was second-half substitute Tolu Arokodare who made the difference with a 51st-minute strike, handing Nigeria a vital win to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Coach Eric Chelle is now expected to trust Arokodare to lead the attack against Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein.
Nigeria, however, faces a tough battle for a World Cup ticket. Saturday’s result was only their second win in seven qualifiers, with four draws and one defeat. South Africa currently leads Group C with 16 points, followed by Benin Republic on 11 points, while the Super Eagles sit third with 10.
Only the top team in each group will secure automatic qualification for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.