Eric Chelle Drops Worrying Update on Victor Osimhen’s Injury Ahead of Crucial South Africa Clash
- Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen will face a race against time to be fit after limping off in the first half against Rwanda
- Tolu Arokodare’s 51st-minute strike sealed a narrow 1–0 win for Nigeria over Rwanda in Uyo
- Coach Eric Chelle says Osimhen’s fitness will be reassessed ahead of the crucial South Africa qualifier
Nigeria kept their 2026 FIFA World Cup hopes alive with a narrow 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium, Uyo.
Tolu Arokodare’s 51st-minute strike was enough to deliver three points for the Super Eagles after the injury suffered by top striker Victor Osimhen in the first half.
Source: Twitter
The newly signed Wolves striker pounced on a loose ball in the box, firing past the Rwandan goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead, Punch reports.
The victory lifted Nigeria to 10 points from 7 matches in Group C, while Rwanda remain on 8 points, making qualification still wide open.
Nigerians sweat over Osimhen’s fitness
The win against Rwanda came at a cost as star striker Osimhen lasted only a few minutes before limping off with an ankle problem.
Source: Twitter
The 26-year-old Galatasaray striker was replaced by Cyriel Dessers, who worked hard but could not replicate Osimhen’s sharp presence in attack.
The injury is a huge concern for Nigeria as Osimhen was expected to play a central role in the coming game against South Africa on Tuesday.
His injury setback left the Super Eagles without their main attacking threat heading into the must-win game against Bafana Bafana.
At 26, Osimhen is entering his prime years and has often been Nigeria’s difference-maker on the big stage and losing him at such a crucial point in qualifying could swing the balance of Group C.
Chelle provides injury update on Osimhen
After the game, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle admitted the situation with Osimhen was worrying but called for patience, Daily Post reports.
Speaking to reporters, he said Osimhen’s ankle would be assessed by medical staff before the game against South Africa.
“I can’t say much about Victor for now. He has pain in his ankle. We will see how he feels tomorrow,” Chelle explained.
“I will also discuss with the doctors to know if he will be ready for the next game.”
Nigeria’s next game against South Africa is already being billed as decisive in the race for World Cup qualification.
With the Super Eagles sitting third in Group C, they cannot afford to drop points against Hugo Broos’ men, who are top with 16 points, six points ahead of Nigeria.
Whether Osimhen is fit enough to play could be the difference between Nigeria closing the gap on South Africa or watching the World Cup dream slip further away.
Referee disallows Osimhen’s goal
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Nigeria’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup took a heavy blow after Victor Osimhen went off injured in the first half against Rwanda.
Osimhen led the attack in the must-win match against Amavubi and had the ball in the net in the first half, but it was ruled out for offside.
Source: Legit.ng
