Nigeria's World Cup Hopes on the Line as Victor Osimhen Ruled Out

Osimhen's injury blow to Nigeria's world cup qualification bid

Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes hang in the balance as Victor Osimhen's injury rules him out of crucial match against South Africa.

Osimhen's absence is a significant blow to Nigeria's World Cup qualifying hopes, especially with the team trailing South Africa...

Nigeria's World Cup qualifying campaign has hit a significant roadblock with Victor Osimhen's absence in Tuesday's crucial match against South Africa. The Galatasaray striker was forced off in the 35th minute of Saturday's 1-0 win over Rwanda after Claude Niyomugabo's heavy challenge left him writhing in pain.

Osimhen's replacement, Cyriel Dessers, will likely lead the line against Bafana Bafana, as confirmed by the national team. The Super Eagles' coach, Eric Chelle, initially expressed uncertainty about the extent of Osimhen's injury, stating that the striker's ankle would be assessed before the South Africa game. However, it's now confirmed that Osimhen has a bruise on his shin, which has caused him discomfort, ruling him out of the match.

Osimhen's absence is a significant blow to Nigeria's World Cup qualifying hopes, especially with the team trailing South Africa in Group C standings. South Africa tops the group with 16 points from seven games, while Nigeria has 10 points from the same number of matches.

According to a statement on (link unavailable), Victor Osimhen's injury was confirmed by the team doctor as a bruise on his shin. “He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be travelling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game,” the statement read. This news comes after Osimhen suffered an ankle injury during Nigeria's 1-0 win over Rwanda on Saturday, where he was replaced by Cyriel Dessers in the 36th minute.

With Osimhen unavailable, coach Eric Chelle will rely on a formidable lineup featuring Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon to secure a win in the crucial clash against South Africa. “With the 2023 African Player of the Year unavailable,” Chelle's task just got tougher. Meanwhile, the Super Eagles have already departed for Bloemfontein, South Africa, ahead of Tuesday's decisive match at the Free State Stadium.

Nigeria is third in Group C with 10 points from seven matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa. A win against Hugo Broos' South Africa is crucial, as anything less would significantly jeopardize Nigeria's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes.

The Super Eagles are determined to avoid a repeat of 2022 when they failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar due to a painful playoff loss to Ghana. With their qualification prospects hanging in the balance, Tuesday's match is a must-win for Nigeria.

The stakes are high, and coach Eric Chelle will rely on players like Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon to secure a victory. The team departed for Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Sunday, ready to face Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday at 9:30 PM.

Uyo 🛫 Bloemfontein, South Africa.

The battle with Bafana Bafana awaits! 🦅.#SoarSuperEagles #Naija4theWin pic.twitter.com/HF3RbOA4Ww

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 7, 2025