Victor Osimhen has made a strong return to the Nigeria national team ahead of their critical World Cup qualification matches. The Super Eagles face a challenging route to automatic qualification for next summer’s tournament, with four key games left in Group C.
Osimhen was absent during the last international window, as coach Eric Chelle opted to give rising local talents a chance and because Galatasaray’s 2024-25 season ended late in May. Chelle explained, “We have a lot of talented players in Nigeria, and it’s important to give them the chance to prove themselves. We’re working on a long-term project to build an identity for the team, and that requires integrating players who can adapt quickly and contribute.”
The striker, now settled permanently at Galatasaray, has already scored twice in three league outings this season and will be central to Nigeria’s hopes. Osimhen previously shone during qualifiers, netting a brace in the 2-0 victory over Rwanda in March and opening the scoring in the game against Zimbabwe.
Currently trailing group leaders South Africa by six points, Nigeria must win all remaining fixtures, including the crucial match at the Free State Stadium, to keep automatic qualification alive. “If South Africa beat Lesotho on Saturday, we must win both games to have any hope of topping the group,” Chelle acknowledged. Still, the Super Eagles remain optimistic about securing at least a play-off spot when the decisive October matches arrive.
Alongside Osimhen, key players like Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, and Calvin Bassey have been recalled, signalling Nigeria’s intent to fight hard for World Cup qualification.
