The Super Eagles' hopes of a place at the 2026 World Cup have been dealt a severe blow with a growing list of key players sidelined ahead of crucial qualifiers against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle is grappling with a deepening injury crisis, leaving the team's preparations in disarray.
The latest setback comes with confirmation that midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru will be out for an extended period.
Initial reports suggested a brief, two-game absence due to an ankle sprain suffered during Lazio’s match against Venezia. However, further assessment has revealed a 20-day recovery timeline, ruling him out of the vital March fixtures.
This blow significantly weakens Nigeria's midfield options, already stretched thin by other absences.
Experienced defenders Troost-Ekong and Ajayi doubtful
Captain William Troost-Ekong's availability is also in serious doubt.
The experienced centre-back, crucial to Nigeria’s AFCON 2023 silver medal run despite a hamstring issue, is reportedly battling a fresh injury setback.
His absence would be a major blow, as Nigeria's struggles without him have been painfully evident. The team has failed to win a competitive match without Troost-Ekong in the starting lineup since the AFCON tournament.
Adding to the defensive worries is Semi Ajayi. The West Brom defender, who has endured a torrid spell with injuries in recent months, suffered a suspected relapse during his club’s victory over Oxford United.
Ajayi, who had just returned to regular action after a lengthy hamstring layoff, was forced off the pitch, and the extent of his new injury is yet to be determined. Tests are needed to understand the severity of the issue and his potential recovery timeline.
Onyedika and Osimhen add to Super Eagles' list of casualties
Meanwhile, Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika was forced off in the first half of his side’s clash against Standard Liège.
The exact details of his injury remain unclear, but early signs suggest he could also miss the March fixtures.
As if the situation wasn’t dire enough, concerns have now emerged over Victor Osimhen’s fitness. The Napoli loanee was substituted late in Galatasaray’s goalless draw with Fenerbahce, with reports suggesting it was due to an injury.
While the extent of his issue remains unknown, the Super Eagles' talisman is set to undergo further tests before Galatasaray’s next match against Konyaspor in the Turkish Cup.
With Nigeria already struggling, any potential injury to Osimhen would be disastrous for their World Cup qualification hopes.
Super Eagles' World Cup hopes fading amid injury crisis
The Super Eagles have had a disappointing start to their qualification campaign, drawing three and losing one of their opening four matches. Their March fixtures against Rwanda and Zimbabwe are now must-win games if they are to keep their 2026 World Cup hopes alive.
However, with key players dropping like flies, Nigeria faces an uphill battle in securing a spot at the tournament in North America.
Chelle will be hoping for positive news on the injury front in the coming weeks, but as it stands, the Super Eagles are in deep trouble ahead of the crucial qualifiers.
