Victor Osimhen will miss the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa after sustaining an injury.
According to updates from the team camp on Sunday, the Super Eagles striker will not travel with the squad to Bloemfontein.
Osimhen picked up the injury during Nigeria’s hard-fought 1-0 victory over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium on Saturday.
He was forced off in the first half after team doctors attended to the Galatasaray forward, who clutched his leg following a heavy tackle.
Although Osimhen initially attempted to continue, he was eventually substituted in the 35th minute, with Cyril Dessers coming on in his place.
Medical reports later confirmed he had suffered a shin injury.
Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer, explained that the 26-year-old remains in discomfort and has been ruled out of the decisive clash.
“Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his Shin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be traveling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game,” Efoghe said.
Nigeria’s win over Rwanda marked their first victory in five Group A matches of the Africa qualifying series. The Super Eagles now sit third with 10 points from seven games.
South Africa lead the table with 16 points, and the September 9 showdown is set to be a crucial winner-takes-all encounter.