Major blow for Nigeria: Osimhen ruled out against South Africa
Osimhen / @x.com/ojbsports
Nigeria has suffered a major setback ahead of their crucial clash with South Africa, as part of the eighth round of African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Major blow for Nigeria: Osimhen ruled out against South Africa
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle will be without his star striker Victor Osimhen, who suffered a serious ankle injury during the match against Rwanda.
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According to reports, Turkish club Galatasaray has flown their player back to Turkey on a private jet for thorough medical examinations and the necessary treatment before the end of the international break.
The website GOAL reported that Osimhen’s situation is causing serious concern, with the striker waking up Sunday morning with significant swelling and persistent pain in his ankle.
Meanwhile, Nigerian outlet Daily Post confirmed that Osimhen will miss the match against South Africa. National team communications officer Promise Iwugi stated that the player did not join the rest of the squad on the trip to Johannesburg due to his discomfort.
As a reminder, the first leg between Nigeria and South Africa, played on June 7 last year as part of World Cup qualifying, ended in a 1-1 draw.