Nigeria will be without star striker Victor Osimhen
when they face South Africa in a crunch 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at
the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein on Tuesday.
The 26-year-old Galatasaray forward limped off
in the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo after a heavy
challenge from Claude Niyomugabo. Medical scans in Turkey revealed a moderate
ankle ligament sprain with bleeding, ruling him out of the Super Eagles’
Group C showdown.
“Necessary treatment has been initiated in order for
our football player to return to the field as soon as possible,” Galatasaray
team doctor Yener ?nce confirmed.
Osimhen, who has scored three goals in the
qualifiers, has now been sidelined for his fifth match in the
campaign. He was flown back to Istanbul on Sunday in a private jet arranged by
his club, while the Super Eagles continued their journey to South Africa.
Nigeria’s Qualification Stakes
Nigeria trail Group C leaders South Africa by
six points with three matches to play. A defeat in Bloemfontein would leave
their hopes of automatic qualification hanging by a thread, though a strong
finish could still secure a playoff berth as one of the best runners-up.
Group C standings:
Only group winners qualify automatically, while the
four best second-placed teams across Africa contest playoffs for a possible
tenth spot at the finals in North America.
Team News
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle will look to Tolu
Arokodare, who netted the winner against Rwanda, to lead the line in
Osimhen’s absence. He could be partnered by Cyriel Dessers or Ademola
Lookman, with Moses Simon and Alex Iwobi expected to support
from advanced positions.
South Africa boss Hugo Broos has injury
concerns of his own, with defenders Nyiko Mobbie and Thabo Brendon
Moloisane ruled out. Thabiso Monyane has been called up as cover,
while in-form striker Lyle Foster will spearhead the attack.
Possible starting XIs:
Head-to-Head & Form
Nigeria and South Africa have met 13 times since
2004, with the Super Eagles winning six, South Africa just once, and six
draws. Their last competitive clash in Bloemfontein ended in a 2-1 Nigeria
victory during the 2019 AFCON qualifiers.
Form guide:
Match Details
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