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Victor Osimhen received an injury in the Clash of Class of World Cup in Nigeria against Rwanda.
The striker was replaced in the 35th minute after suffering what seemed to be a serious blow.
The reverse of Osimhen left fans speculating if he would be fit to face South Africa.
Speaking after the game, chief coach Eric Chelle admitted uncertainty about Osimhen’s condition.
“I can’t say much about Victor for now. He has an ankle pain, and we’ll see how he feels tomorrow (today). I also need to consult doctors before we know if he can make the trip,” he said.
However, after an evaluation, team doctors have confirmed that Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his pimp.
“He woke up with discomfort and will not travel with the team to South Africa for Tuesday’s game,” said the team’s media statement on Sunday.
Osimhen’s absence is a great blow to Nigeria. The striker has appeared in just three of the seven classification games of the Nigeria World Cup so far, scoring three goals.
Two of those games ended in victories, which are still the only victories of the Super Eagles in Group C.
His presence often provides impulse to the team and the defenders of the team. Now he will return to Istanbul to see additional checks.
The striker has fought with injuries throughout his career, predominantly related to the muscle.
His longest spell on the margin arrived in the 2023/2024 season when an injury in the hamstrings kept him out for nine games.
In total, Osimhen has lost more than 94 games in his professional career due to an injury.
With Osimhen discarded, Chelle faces a difficult task to find solutions in the attack.
A possible approach is the implementation of a system of two strikers, similar to the second half against Rwanda.
In that game, Tolu Arokodare led the line, while Cyriel Dessers operated just behind, pressing high and creating space for Arokodare.
Read too: Super Eagles keep the hopes of the 2026 World Cup with the thin victory against Rwanda
The system is likely to unfold efficiently against South Africa, work against a defense anchored by Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Thabo Moloisane.
Nigeria is currently third in group C with 10 points, level with the leaders of South Africa.
The last two meetings between both sides ended up in raffles during the regulation time, a result that the Super Eagles cannot afford, especially with the group near their climax and only three games remain.
For Chelle men, victory in Bloemfontein is essential.
