Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen reportedly refused to travel with the Super Eagles squad for their 2026 World Cup qualifying match in South Africa last week.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) was said to have wanted Osimhen to join the team in Bloemfontein to show support, even though he could not play.

This update was shared by SuperSport presenter Charles Anazodo on Monday night.

Osimhen had suffered an ankle injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in the first game of the international break and quickly returned to Turkey for treatment.

According to Anazodo, a trusted source revealed that NFF officials begged Osimhen to travel with the team despite his injury. But the striker reportedly refused and chose to go back to his club instead.

The Super Eagles forward is still recovering but could make a comeback when Galatasaray face Frankfurt in the Champions League later this week.