Advantage South Africa? Nigeria provide worrying Victor Osimhen update

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Advantage South Africa? Nigeria provide worrying Victor Osimhen update
Fußball, Nigeria Nationalteam Training UYO, NIGERIA - SEPTEMBER 8: Victor Osimhen of Super Eagles during a training section in preparation for the 2023 African Cup Of Nations qualifiers AFCON match between Nigeria and Sao Tome match at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on September 8, 2023 in Uyo, Nigeria. Copyright: xx

Bafana Bafana could be in for a relief somewhat during their match against Nigeria after the Super Eagles provided a not so positive update over star striker Victor Osimhen.

Nigeria will visit South Africa for a high stakes 2026 World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein on Tuesday and will likely be without Osimhen, one of the most revered strikers in the world.

This is after the Galatasaray forward pulled up during the first half of the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Rwanda on Saturday, a victory that revived their World Cup hopes, ahead of the clash against Bafana Bafana.

Why is Osimhen a doubt for Bafana clash?

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Osimhen lasted 45 minutes before he was taken off and Nigeria coach Eric Chelle later confirmed that the striker had sustained an injury, leaving him racing against time to be fit for the match against South Africa.

“I can’t say much about Victor for now. He has pain in his ankle, and we will see how he feels tomorrow (Sunday). I also need to consult the doctors before we know if he can make the trip,” Chelle told the media, as quoted by Pulse Sports Nigeria.

Osimhen did not have an impact in the 45 minutes he was on the pitch but he remains a vital part of the team. However, as per multiple reports in Nigeria, he will not travel with the rest of the squad to South Africa after he woke up with a shin bruise on Sunday.

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The former Napoli striker had just been recalled to the national team after missing the 1-1 draw with Russia in June and his absence could impact their chances of making it to the World Cup.

Nigeria’s win over Rwanda saw them move to 10 points in Group C, six behind Bafana Bafana, and one adrift of second-placed Benin, and a win at the Free State Stadium will bring them back in the mix as they would be three points behind Hugo Broos’ men with two matches remaining.

Osimhen, who has 26 goals in 41 games for Nigeria, is the Super Eagles’ second all-time top scorer behind Rashidi Yekini, who bagged 37.

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.

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