The Super Eagles landed in South Africa without Victor Osimhen, dealing a major blow ahead of their crucial World Cup qualifier against Bafana Bafana, as Nwankwo Kanu and fellow Olympic gold medallist Victor Ikpeba joined the delegation.
Nigeria’s hopes of reigniting their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign have taken a heavy hit after the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that Victor Osimhen will miss Tuesday’s showdown with South Africa in Bloemfontein.
The Napoli striker, who picked up an injury during the 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, was the only absentee as 22 Super Eagles players, along with technical and administrative staff, touched down at Bram Fischer International Airport on Sunday evening. Traveling with the squad were two icons of Nigerian football — Nwankwo Kanu and Victor Ikpeba — both gold medal winners from the famous Atlanta 1996 Olympics.
In a statement, the NFF said:
There were 22 players and the technical and administrative staff, with forward Victor Osimhen, who copped an injury in Saturday’s 1-0 defeat of Rwanda in Uyo, the only absentee from the ensemble that was invited.
Group C picture
Nigeria currently sit third in Group C, one point behind Benin and six adrift of leaders South Africa with just three matches left to play. The Super Eagles’ qualification chances are now hanging in the balance, and Osimhen’s absence against Bafana Bafana could prove decisive.
Adding further intrigue, Nigeria are awaiting FIFA’s ruling on South Africa’s use of Teboho Mokoena in their win over Lesotho back in March. Should FIFA dock points for fielding an ineligible player, Lesotho would climb to nine points, reshaping the qualification race and potentially breathing new life into Nigeria’s campaign.
What’s next
The Super Eagles will train at Toyota Stadium on Monday evening before facing South Africa at the same venue on Tuesday. With Osimhen ruled out, coach Finidi George must find solutions in attack if Nigeria are to close the gap on their group rivals and keep their World Cup dream alive.
