Victor Osimhen will not feature in Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa after sustaining an injury in the Super Eagles’ 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, September 6.

Officials confirmed on Sunday, September 7, that the 26-year-old striker would not travel with the team to Bloemfontein after picking up a shin injury.

Osimhen, who started the match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, attempted to continue after treatment but was later forced off in the first half. He was replaced in the 35th minute by Cyril Dessers.

Team media officer Promise Efoghe explained that the Napoli forward woke up feeling discomfort the next day. According to him, the medical team diagnosed the injury as a shin bruise, ruling Osimhen out of Tuesday’s decisive game in South Africa.

Nigeria’s hard-fought win against Rwanda was their first in five games in the Group A qualifiers, moving them up to third place with ten points from seven matches.

South Africa remain in first place with 16 points, setting up a high-stakes showdown on September 9 with just three games left to play.