Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen will not travel with Nigeria’s squad for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifying trip to South Africa after suffering an injury in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda, the team’s medical staff and officials confirmed. The striker was withdrawn in the first half in Uyo and will be absent from the match-day squad as a result of the assessment.
Osimhen left the field in the 36th minute against Rwanda after appearing to pick up a knock; initial reports from the Super Eagles’ medical team say he woke on Sunday with discomfort and a bruise that prompted further examination and the decision not to include him in the travelling party. Team and camp updates released on Sunday said the decision followed medical advice.
There have been different descriptions of the problem in early reports: some outlets and club officials described pain around Osimhen’s ankle after the challenge that forced his substitution, while the team’s medical bulletin referenced a painful bruise and advised caution ahead of the Bloemfontein fixture. Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk also said the striker was “in pain” following the match, underlining the seriousness of his discomfort.
Coach Éric Chelle and the Super Eagles’ medical staff have moved quickly to manage the situation, confirming that Osimhen will be reassessed and that the rest of the travelling squad will proceed as planned. The coach will now look to alternatives up front — with Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers among the likely options to lead the line in Osimhen’s absence after Arokodare’s decisive contribution in Uyo.
The timing is a blow for Nigeria as they eye vital qualifying points in a closely contested group. Osimhen’s availability had been viewed as important to the Super Eagles’ hopes of securing automatic qualification; his absence increases the pressure on the squad’s strike options and tactical plan for a tough away fixture. Football and medical staff say they will provide updates after further assessment and any treatment he receives back with his club.
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