Victor Osimhen: Super Eagles World Cup revival suffers mortal blow

The Super Eagles will be without talisman Victor Osimhen for Tuesday’s decisive South Africa vs Nigeria World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.

The Galatasaray striker lasted just over half an hour in Uyo during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda on Saturday. 

He thought he had given the hosts the lead inside the opening ten minutes, only for the assistant referee’s flag to cut short the celebrations. Soon after, his evening unravelled further. A bruising collision with a Rwandan defender left Osimhen clutching his shin. Despite treatment and a brave attempt to continue, the 26-year-old’s discomfort was obvious. 

He pulled up minutes later, tore off his protective mask in frustration, and signalled for a substitution. Cyriel Dessers came on in his stead, while Tolu Arokodare would later emerge from the bench to settle the contest with a crisp finish in the second half.

Victor Osimhen’s absence: Arokodare and Dessers to lead?

Medical checks on Sunday morning confirmed a shin bruise, and Osimhen has been withdrawn from the travelling party for South Africa vs Nigeria. 

His absence is a bitter setback for Nigeria, who trail Group C leaders South Africa by six points with only three matches left to rescue their 2026 World Cup campaign.

The spotlight now falls on the supporting cast. Dessers, whose hold-up play helped stabilise the attack against Rwanda, is in line for a starting role. 

Arokodare, brimming with confidence after his match-winning strike, is also pushing hard. Between them, and with Ademola Lookman lurking as a wildcard, coach Eric Chelle must conjure a cutting edge.

Bloemfontein’s Free State Stadium will provide the sternest examination yet. Without their talisman, the Super Eagles must find fresh inspiration to overcome Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana and keep qualification dreams alive.