Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa after sustaining an injury against Rwanda.
Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa after sustaining an ankle injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda.
The Galatasaray striker, who remains Nigeria’s leading star, was forced off 10 minutes before half-time at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Despite his absence, substitute Tolu Arokodare secured victory with a 52nd-minute goal, leaving Nigeria third in Group C behind South Africa and Benin.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle had initially told reporters: “I can’t say much about Victor for now. He has pain in his ankle, we will see when he wake up tomorrow.”
However, reports on Sunday confirmed Osimhen did not travel with the squad to Bloemfontein and will return to Turkey for treatment after being diagnosed with a shin bruise.
Nigeria face South Africa on Tuesday in a decisive fixture that could shape their World Cup qualification hopes.