Super Eagles arrive in South Africa without Victor Osimhen for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier after the striker suffered a chin injury against Rwanda

The Super Eagles have arrived in Bloemfontein ahead of their high-stakes 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa, but star striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out due to injury, dealing a major setback to Nigeria’s qualification hopes.

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The squad flew out of Uyo on Sunday afternoon aboard a chartered ValueJet flight following their narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda on Saturday.

They landed in South Africa at approximately 6:25 pm local time.

However, Osimhen did not travel with the team after suffering a chin bruise during the match in Uyo.

The injury occurred midway through the first half following a collision with Rwanda’s Claude Niyomugabo.

“Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his chin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be travelling,” said Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe.

The Napoli striker is now expected to return to his club, Galatasaray, for further medical assessments.

In Osimhen’s absence, Cyriel Dessers, who replaced him on Saturday, failed to offer much attacking threat.

It was second-half substitute Tolu Arokodare who broke the deadlock with a decisive 51st-minute strike.

Coach Eric Chelle is expected to place his trust in Arokodare to lead the frontline in Tuesday’s clash, which could prove critical to Nigeria’s World Cup campaign.

The Super Eagles have had a stuttering run in the qualifiers, with just two wins in seven games.

They currently sit third in the group with 10 points, behind South Africa (16 points) and Benin Republic (11 points).

Only the group winner will automatically qualify for the expanded 48-team World Cup scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

• 1st: South Africa – 16 points
• 2nd: Benin Republic – 11 points
• 3rd: Nigeria – 10 points

Having missed the 2022 World Cup, the pressure is on Nigeria to avoid a repeat disappointment.

A loss on Tuesday could leave them on the brink of elimination from Africa’s most competitive qualifying group.

With Osimhen’s absence, the team must find attacking answers quickly. All eyes will be on Arokodare, whose match-winning display on Saturday could earn him a rare start.

Also read: Rwanda vs Super Eagles: Nigeria Eyes Crucial World Cup Win

Nigeria’s encounter with Bafana Bafana is scheduled for Tuesday, and fans across the continent will be watching to see if the Super Eagles can keep their World Cup dreams alive without their talisman.