By Victor Kanayo
Napoli goal poacher, Victor Osimhen, has been ruled out of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Osimhen will also be missing in action when the Super Eagles confront Benin Republic in another qualifying match.
This was disclosed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) via the official Super Eagles X handle on Tuesday evening.
The Confirmation message on the handle reads, “Eagles Camp update: Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen is injured and out for 4 weeks. Super Eagles’ Coach Finidi George has called up Enugu Rangers’ left back Kenneth Igboke for the WC qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Rep.”
Osimhen’s absence followed after he played at short time for his club’s last Serie E game against Leece last week.
Nigeria welcome South Africa to Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital on June 7, before another World Cup qualifying match against Benin in Cote d’Ivoire, three days later.
Head Coach Finidi George has now invited Enugu Rangers defender Kenneth Igboke to replace Osimhen.
The invitation of Igboke brings to three, the number of domestic-based players invited to the double outing.
Super Eagles are third in Group C with two points from two matches in the World Cup qualifier.
