Nigeria’s road to the 2026 World Cup just got a lot tougher. Star striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Tuesday’s must-win qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein after picking up an injury in the 1–0 victory over Rwanda.
Osimhen was forced off midway through the first half in Uyo following a challenge from Claude Niyomugabo. The Super Eagles’ medical team later confirmed the Napoli forward suffered a chin bruise, and he woke up Sunday morning feeling discomfort that makes him unfit to travel with the squad.
“Victor will not be travelling with the team to South Africa,” Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe disclosed, adding that the striker will return to his club for further checks.
Osimhen’s absence leaves a big hole in Nigeria’s attack. His replacement on Saturday, Cyriel Dessers, struggled to trouble Rwanda’s defense, while substitute Tolu Arokodare came off the bench to grab the winner in the 51st minute.
Nigeria have made a stuttering start to the qualifiers, collecting just two wins from seven matches (four draws, one defeat). They currently sit third in the group with 10 points, behind leaders South Africa (16) and Benin Republic (11).
The stakes couldn’t be higher. Only the group winner secures an automatic ticket to the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. The best four runners-up will move into the African playoffs, with just one of them advancing to an intercontinental final. Right now, Nigeria aren’t even in the top nine second-placed sides.
Without Osimhen, the Super Eagles will need someone else to step up in Bloemfontein. Will Dessers finally rise to the occasion? Or could Arokodare be the unexpected hero again? One thing’s certain—the Eagles can’t afford another misstep.
