Here is the latest update on Victor Osimhen’s injury ahead of the South Africa vs Nigeria World Cup qualifiers fixture.
Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers fixture for Eric Chelle’s side, Nigeria vs South Africa scheduled to be played on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 due to an injury.
The 2024 African Player of the year picked up an injury during the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Saturday. He was forced off in the first half and replaced by Cyriel Dessers.
Head coach Eric Chelle revealed after the game that Osimhen would undergo assessment before the squad’s trip to South Africa. However, according to the Punch, the team media officer Promise Efoghe, revealed that the 26-year-old complained of discomfort in his chin on Sunday morning and has since been ruled out of the encounter.
“Team doctor confirmed that Osimhen sustained a bruise on his chin. He woke up feeling pain and will not travel with the team to South Africa,” Efoghe explained in a message shared with journalists.
The striker is expected to return to his club in Turkey for further evaluation and treatment. His absence means that Tolu Arokodare is expected to spearhead Nigeria’s attack when they face Bafana Bafana at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
Nigeria’s qualification hopes remain fragile after a slow start to the campaign. Saturday’s win over Rwanda was only their second in seven matches, with four draws and one defeat so far.
South Africa currently lead the group with 16 points, followed by Benin Republic on 11, while Nigeria sit third with 10. Only the group winners will secure automatic qualification to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
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