This is not the best of times for the Super Eagles gaffer, Eric Chelle following the sad news of Victor Osimhen being ruled out of the most crucial game against South Africa On Tuesday.
Osimhen was substituted in the first half of the 1-0 win against Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday,with hope that will be recover to be part of the South African game.
The news coming out of the camp of the Eagles now is not palatable as Osimhen has been ruled out of the blockbuster 2qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday, and will likely return to Turkey.
His availability for the South Africa clash had remained uncertain, as fans anxiously awaited the medical assessment.
According to the team doctor, the 26-year-old suffered a bruise on his chin and woke up experiencing discomfort, ruling him out of the fixture.
The statement from the camp read: “Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his chin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be traveling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game”.
Osimhen’s absence is a major blow for coach Eric Chelle, who will now rely on Tolu Arokodare and Cyriel Dessers to lead the attack at the Free State Stadium.
Arokodare was the match-winner against Rwanda, scoring his second international goal to revive Nigeria’s qualification hopes.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C with 10 points, six behind leaders South Africa, who will play to avoid defeat as a draw or win will favour their aspirations of going to the mundial.
A win for the Eagles in Bloemfontein is however crucial, if Nigeria is to stay in contention for a ticket to the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
