Victor Osimhen Uncertain, 2 Other Super Eagles Stars Ruled Out of 2026 WCQ vs Lesotho and Benin
- Eric Chelle is sweating over the fitness of some Super Eagles players ahead of next month's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier
- The Super Eagles will face Lesotho and Benin Republic in the final two matches, with automatic qualification still on the line
- Victor Osimhen’s status remains uncertain, while two players have been ruled out of the games due to long-term injuries
Eric Chelle could have a depleted squad for October's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier games, with some players ruled out and others uncertain for the games.
The CAF qualifying series for the World Cup qualifier ends during the October international break, with seven automatic qualification tickets remaining to be picked, as Tunisia and Morocco have already qualified.
Source: Getty Images
Nigeria is still in the frame to pick up an automatic slot in Group C, but must first beat Lesotho in South Africa and Benin Republic in Uyo.
South Africa remains top of Group C pending the outcome of FIFA's investigation into Teboho Mokoena's ineligibility against Lesotho in March.
Benin Republic is second with 14 points and could move into first if FIFA docks South Africa three points. Nigeria and Rwanda have 11 points each in third and fourth.
Nigeria faces must-win matches against teams which they picked up one point in the reverse fixtures, a 1-1 draw against Lesotho and a 2-1 loss to Benin Republic.
However, Eric Chelle may have to play both matches with some key players out of the encounter due to injuries during the international break and after.
Victor Osimhen's injury update
Victor Osimhen was injured against Rwanda after a strong challenge from APR FC defender Claude Niyomugabo during Nigeria's 1-0 win in Uyo.
He returned to Turkey, where his club, Galatasaray, confirmed that he suffered an ankle sprain with bleeding and put no timeline for his return to action.
The striker has missed three matches: the 2-0 win over Eyupspor, the 5-1 loss to Eintracht Frankfurt in the UEFA Champions League, and the 3-1 win over Konyaspor.
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Galatasaray coach explains why Victor Osimhen has not played since injury with Super Eagles
According to Milliyet, Okan Buruk confirmed he still feels pain, but will be in the matchday squad against Alanyaspor, with top games against Liverpool and Besiktas coming up.
It is unclear yet whether he will join up with the squad for the international break, as Galatasaray would want to protect their €75 million asset.
Source: Getty Images
Aina and Dele-Bashiru ruled out
Ola Aina suffered a serious hamstring injury against South Africa on the poor pitch of the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein and has been ruled out of action for three months, and could miss the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has joined Aina on the list of absentees after SS Lazio confirmed that their midfielder suffered a muscle injury, which will keep him out of action for one month.
Wilfred Ndidi returns to action
Legit.ng reported that Wilfred Ndidi returned to action for Besiktas during their 4-0 Turkish Super League victory away at Kayserispor on Wednesday.
The former Leicester City midfielder got injured against South Africa and missed two matches, but featured for 66 minutes in Kayseri.
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Source: Legit.ng
