Osimhen Forced Off Injured as Dessers Steps In During Super Eagles Clash with

Victor Osimhen was substituted in the first half of Nigeria’s ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda after appearing to suffer discomfort in his hamstring.

The Galatasaray striker, who has been managing a muscle strain in recent weeks, signalled to the bench and was replaced by Cyriel Dessers.  

Team medics attended to Osimhen on the sidelines before confirming he could not continue. The change was seen as a precaution to avoid aggravating the injury ahead of Nigeria’s next qualifier against South Africa. Further medical tests will determine whether he will be fit for the Super Eagles’ October fixtures, including the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations double‑header against Libya.