2026 WCQ: Super Eagles Boosted by Osimhen’s Return

Star striker Victor Osimhen, sidelined since May 11 with a muscle injury, made a comeback at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday in Napoli’s 0-0 draw against Lecce.

Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, had been a major doubt for the June international fixtures against South Africa and Benin Republic.

However, Napoli’s recent fitness update revealed that after initially undergoing personalized training sessions, Osimhen was unexpectedly included in the matchday squad against Lecce.

Despite speculation that his inclusion was a farewell gesture amid transfer rumours to Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain, the forward played for 25 minutes and made a significant impact, nearly scoring with a last-minute header.

If Osimhen remains injury-free in upcoming training sessions, he is expected to start in the crucial match against South Africa on June 7.