Nigeria’s top striker Victor Osimhen faces a fitness race after suffering an ankle injury during Saturday’s vital 1-0 World Cup qualifier win over Rwanda in Uyo. The 26-year-old Galatasaray forward had to be substituted in the first half, with Cyriel Dessers taking his place.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle revealed the extent of the concern in his post-match comments, stating, “Victor Osimhen? I don’t know. He has pain in his ankle, and we will see tomorrow when he wakes up. After the match, we will consult with the doctor and the physio.”
Osimhen’s injury puts a shadow over Nigeria’s preparation for the must-win qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday at the Free State Stadium. The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 10 points, six behind the table-topping Bafana Bafana.
Chelle emphasised the importance of the medical evaluation ahead of the crucial fixture, cautioning patience: “I can’t say much about Victor for now. We will see how he feels tomorrow and I will discuss with the medical team to know if he will be ready for the next game.”
The absence of Osimhen, who has been Nigeria’s key attacking threat and a talismanic figure, would be a significant blow ahead of the encounter that could shape the team’s 2026 World Cup qualification hopes.
Nigeria’s narrow victory over Rwanda was secured by Wolverhampton Wanderers’ Tolu Arokodare, whose strike shortly after coming off the bench kept the Super Eagles on course in qualifying.
