Star striker Victor Osimhen’s injury leading to his unavailability for the Congo DR tie has, however, been the big development as Nigeria’s attempt to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been seriously compromised.
Just 35 minutes into the match, Osimhen was forced to exit the field of play after the Rwandan defender, Niyomugabo, bundled into him with some force. The frontman of Galatasaray was replaced by the Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers. The national team aid their best concern has been clarified and Osimhen will stay behind.
“Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his shin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be travelling with the squad to South Africa,” a statement read.
Ahead of the coach Eric Chelle’s final selection for the clash in South Africa, he is expected to use the African Player of the Year 2023 award nominee’s absence to give long-awaited debut opportunity to the Nigerian born Belgium-qualified player, Cyriel Dessers. Besides, the Nigerian forward Tolu Arokodare, the London-based Ademola Lookman, the Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze, and the Levante attacker Moses Simon will complete the five-man offensive line in Bloemfontein.
As they make their way to South Africa, Nigeria are third in Group C with 10 points – five short of group leaders Benin Republic and two off second-placed South Africa. A victory over Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana is the only way that the Super Eagles can reignite their World Cup qualifying campaign and avoid a doomsday scenario similar to 2022 when they failed to qualify for Qatar.
