By Njoku Chijioke
Nigeria’s star striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa after picking up an injury in the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Rwanda on Saturday.
The 26-year-old was forced off in the first half following a heavy tackle that left him with a painful shin bruise.
Team doctors confirmed he would not be fit to feature and will instead return to his club in Turkey for further treatment and assessment.
Osimhen’s absence is a major blow for Nigeria, who sit third in Group C with 10 points from seven matches, six behind leaders South Africa.
The Bloemfontein clash is a must-win for the Super Eagles to keep their qualification hopes alive.
Head coach Eric Chelle now faces the challenge of reshuffling his frontline and adjusting tactics in the absence of his talisman.
