Osimhen ruled out of South Africa clash as Nigeria eye crucial points in Bloemfontein

Osimhen ruled out of South Africa clash as Nigeria eye crucial points in Bloemfontein

Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen will miss Tuesday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier away to South Africa after picking up a knock in the 1–0 win over Rwanda in Uyo. Premium Times reports the Galatasaray striker will not travel with the squad, leaving head coach Éric Chelle to reconfigure his attack for a pivotal Group C fixture.

Osimhen hobbled off during Saturday’s victory with an ankle problem; local reports added that the medical team noted further discomfort from a bruise on Sunday morning.

The Super Eagles’ meeting with Bafana Bafana is not in Cape Town, but at Toyota Stadium (Free State Stadium) in Bloemfontein on Tuesday, 9 September (18:00 local time).

Chelle—appointed Nigeria boss in January—must now choose a new focal point. Options include Cyriel Dessers and Tolu Arokodare, who came on and influenced the winner against Rwanda.

In the Group C table South Africa lead with 16 points, while Nigeria sit third on 10, raising the stakes for Tuesday’s game. Only group winners qualify automatically for the World Cup, with four best runners-up heading to the CAF playoffs.

Osimhen’s club status (often misreported): he plays for Galatasaray, having completed a permanent move this summer.