Super Eagles star Victor Osimhen’s injury casts shadow on Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers, Napoli’s Champions League games

Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying prospects have hit a snag as Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen faces uncertainty due to a thigh injury sustained during the international friendly with Saudi Arabia, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 24-year-old Napoli star incurred a medium-grade biceps femoris lesion during the 2-2 draw with Saudi Arabia.

Currently undergoing treatment at the SSCN Konami Training Centre in Naples, Osimhen could be unavailable for the critical upcoming matches for club and country.

With Napoli already struggling in their domestic and European campaigns, Osimhen’s potential absence is a significant blow to the Italian champions.

According to Kicker, the standard recuperation period for this injury is typically four to six weeks, raising doubts about his availability for the crucial matches.

The Nigerian’s absence would impact Napoli’s key fixtures, including the Champions League clash against Union Berlin and several crucial Serie A encounters.

Having delivered an impressive 26 goals last season and contributing six goals in the current Serie A campaign, Osimhen’s absence until mid-November could significantly disrupt both Napoli’s and Nigeria’s game plans.

Should the projected one-month recovery hold, Napoli’s vital league clashes with Milan, Verona, Salerno, and Empoli, as well as their Champions League bouts against Union Berlin, would be impacted.

The 24-year-old striker could also miss Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe next month. 

Head coach Jose Peseiro could, however, call on the exciting talents of Victor Boniface, Terem Moffi, Umar Sadiq, and Kelechi Iheanacho for the two games. 

Moffi and Iheanacho scored for the Super Eagles during the international break in October in games against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.