Osimhen ruled out of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers with injury

Nigeria’s forward Victor Osimhen looks on during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 Group A football match between Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, on January 14, 2024. (Photo by Issouf SANOGO / AFP)

Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen will miss the Group C 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic due to injury.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) disclosed this on its X handle on Tuesday.

NFF did not disclose the nature of Osimhen’s injury but said the Napoli striker will be out for one month.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach Finidi George has called up Enugu Rangers’ left back Kenneth Igboke for the qualifiers.


Osimhen is now the latest Super Eagles’ key player who will miss both qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Other players already ruled out of the crucial World Cup qualifiers through injury are William Troost-Ekong, Zaidu Sanusi and Moses Simon.

The Napoli striker is yet to feature in the World Cup qualifiers after missing the games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.


The Eagles are yet to record a win in the qualifiers after recording draws in their opening games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. Nigeria sits third on the log with two points.

South Africa occupy second place on three points after one win and one defeat, while Benin Republic are bottom with just one point.

Osimhen scored 17 goals and recorded three assists in 32 games in all competitions for Napoli in the just concluded season.

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