Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, aged 26, has been ruled out of Nigeria’s Super Eagles’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday due to a shin injury.
The announcement follows his early exit during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
Initially suspected to have an ankle issue, Osimhen’s injury was later confirmed by the team doctor as a bruise on his shin. Sources from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) reported that the striker woke up with discomfort on Sunday morning and will not travel with the squad to Johannesburg.
Osimhen, who recently returned to the national team after missing the Unity Cup triumph in May and a 1-1 draw with Russia, had scored twice against Rwanda in March. During Saturday’s match, he had a goal disallowed for offside before being forced off.
His absence is a significant setback for head coach Eric Chelle, who had counted on Osimhen’s attacking prowess for the critical match against Bafana Bafana.