Injury blow for Super Eagles as Boavista star faces doubt for World Cup qualifiers vs Zimbabwe, Lesotho

The left-back has been a favourite of head coach Jose Peseiro since making his international bow earlier this year

Boavista’s Bruno Onyemaechi faces uncertainty in Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign as he picked up an injury during Boavista’s 3-1 loss to Farense on Sunday, Soccernet.ng reports.

The left-back was substituted in the 56th minute, raising concerns about his availability for the upcoming matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

Having been a regular presence in recent outings for the Super Eagles, Onyemaechi’s absence would be a notable setback for the team.

Jamilu Collins of Cardiff City stands as the alternative left-back option for the squad, but Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi can be handed a late call-up as a replacement.

Until he was moved to the central defence, Fulham star Calvin Bassey also played as a left-back for the Super Eagles. Nottingham Forest ace Ola Aina has shown at his club his ability to also play that role.

In addition to Onyemaechi’s injury, Nigeria will also miss the services of key players Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Wilfred Ndidi, all sidelined due to injuries.

Their absence further complicates the squad dynamics ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifiers.

The Super Eagles are set to host Lesotho in Uyo on Thursday before embarking on a journey to Rwanda for a face-off against Zimbabwe three days later.

South Africa, Rwanda, and the Benin Republic are the other members of Nigeria’s group, with only the leading team guaranteed a ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.