Nigeria’s build-up to their crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa has been hit by an injury setback to star striker Victor Osimhen.
The Super Eagles face Bafana Bafana this evening at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein, looking to strengthen their qualification hopes after Saturday’s narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo.
New Wolves striker Tolu Arokodare came on at half-time to score the decisive goal, securing three points that kept Eric Chelle’s side in third place. Nigeria trail leaders South Africa by six points and sit one behind Benin, who earned victories over Lesotho and Zimbabwe. With only one automatic ticket available for the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, the four best runners-up across the nine African groups will advance to the play-offs.
Nigeria, who missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, still have to visit Lesotho and host Benin in their final group games in October. Meanwhile, South Africa could face sanctions for fielding an ineligible player against Lesotho earlier in the campaign.
Saturday’s victory in Uyo was overshadowed by Osimhen’s early exit. The forward picked up a lower-leg injury after colliding with an opponent and, though he tried to continue, he was replaced 10 minutes before half-time by Cyriel Dessers. The Napoli striker later watched the remainder of the match from the bench, raising concerns over his availability.
Asked about his condition after the game, head coach Eric Chelle said:
“I can’t say much about Victor for now. He has pain in his ankle, we will see when he wakes up tomorrow. I also have to discuss with the team doctors to see if he will be available.”
At Monday’s pre-match press conference, Chelle addressed reports that Osimhen did not travel with the squad to Bloemfontein. He said:
“Osimhen is a big star, a very good player. Like I said, I have a strong squad too, with great players on my side. They are enough for me. We think about our brother Victor, but we have a game, and we are united for tomorrow.”
With Osimhen ruled out, Chelle must decide who will lead the attack. Dessers stepped in against Rwanda, while Arokodare has scored in back-to-back games and could be handed a start.
Meanwhile, Galatasaray are closely monitoring Osimhen’s recovery, with their Champions League opener against Eintracht Frankfurt scheduled for September 18.
Source: The Stadard
