Blow for Nigeria As Doctor Releases Victor Osimhen Statement Ahead of South Africa Clash
- Victor Osimhen suffered a knock during a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo
- The Galatasaray of Turkey striker, who was visibly hurt, was forced off the pitch in the 35th minute of the encounter
- The Super Eagles team doctor has advised the technical crew as they prepare to depart for South Africa for a clash against Bafana Bafana
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen was substituted in the 35th minute and was replaced by Cyriel Dessers during their clash against Rwanda in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The Super Eagles forward had tormented the Amavubis in the early exchanges, but he suffered a knock and was forced off, even though he tried to continue.
After a goalless first half, head coach Eric Chelle brought in striker Tolu Arokodare as a replacement for Frank Onyeka.
Source: Getty Images
The substitution paid off as Arokodare took advantage of a scramble in the goalmouth area to flick home the only goal of the game, giving the Super Eagles all three points.
The victory takes Nigeria to 10 points, six behind table toppers South Africa, ahead of Tuesday's clash in Bloemfontein.
After the game, head coach Eric Chelle expressed concerns over Victor Osimhen's fitness status, saying the striker will be assessed before they depart for South Africa. The Franco-Malian tactician said in a post-match conference, per Daily Post:
“I can’t say much about Victor for now. He has pain in his ankle. We will see how he feels tomorrow. I will also discuss with the doctors to know if he will be ready for the next game.”
Meanwhile, Super Eagles media officer Promise Efoghe has provided an update on the striker's situation.
According to the report, the team doctor disclosed that the striker suffered a bruise on his chin during the highly entertaining fixture.
Osimhen not travelling for South Africa clash
He, however, woke up feeling discomfort due to the injury, while the doctor advised that he should not travel with the team for the all-important clash in South Africa. The statement reads:
"Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his chin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be travelling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game."
Meanwhile, several reports claim that Nigerian authorities are having difficulties getting a landing permit in South Africa.
The Nigerian contingent is billed to depart Uyo on Sunday morning for the all-important fixture against Bafana Bafana on Tuesday, per Standard.
Source: Getty Images
South Africa top the group with 16 points, and a victory over 10-point Nigeria will see Bafana Bafana have a hand on the World Cup ticket.
Boniface hails Arokodare
Legit.ng earlier reported that Nigerian international Victor Boniface has reacted as Tolu Arokodare grabbed the all-important goal against Rwanda in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
After the game, Boniface, who recently joined Werder Bremen, reshared a post dedicated to Wolverhampton Wanderers forward, with a simple caption, “Na so my guy.”
Source: Legit.ng
