Confirmed Nigeria team news: Osimhen ruled out of blockbuster WCQ v Bafana Bafana

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s blockbuster 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday.

The Galatasaray forward sustained an injury during Nigeria’s narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday and was substituted in the first half, with Cyriel Dessers replacing him.

His availability for the South Africa clash had remained uncertain, as fans anxiously awaited the medical assessment.

However, an official statement from the Super Eagles camp on Sunday confirmed that Osimhen would not be making the trip to South Africa.

According to the team doctor, the 26-year-old suffered a bruise on his chin and woke up experiencing discomfort, ruling him out of the fixture.

"Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his chin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be traveling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game,” the statement read.

Osimhen’s absence is a major blow for coach Eric Chelle, who will now rely on Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers to lead the attack at the Free State Stadium.

Arokodare was the match-winner against Rwanda, scoring his second international goal to revive Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 10 points, six behind leaders South Africa.

A win in Bloemfontein is crucial if Nigeria are to stay in contention for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Adeyemi Adewale

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