Oshimen ruled of Super Eagles Qualifier Against South Africa

Victor Osimhen has been officially ruled out of Nigeria’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match against South Africa.

The Galatasaray striker sustained a chin injury during the Super Eagles’ narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo, forcing him off in the first half. Despite initial hopes that he might recover in time, team doctors confirmed on Sunday morning that Osimhen woke up experiencing discomfort and will not travel with the squad to Bloemfontein for Tuesday’s fixture.

The news was first reported by Nigerian sports journalist Pooja on his Twitter timeline, citing official sources from the Nigeria Football Federation. Osimhen’s absence is a significant setback for head coach Eric Chelle, who had counted on the striker’s firepower to help close the six-point gap behind group leaders South Africa.

With Osimhen sidelined, the Super Eagles will look to alternative options in attack, including Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, the latter of whom scored the decisive goal against Rwanda. The team departed for South Africa on Sunday morning, determined to keep their World Cup hopes alive despite the loss of their talismanic forward.