World Cup

Huge blow for Nigeria as Victor Osimhen misses South Africa clash, Finidi calls NPFL star as replacement

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers clash against South Africa and Benin due to an injury, Soccernet.ng.

Nigeria take on South Africa and Benin in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers later in June. And ahead of the fixture, coach Finidi George invited 23 players.

Reigning CAF Player of the Year Victor Osimhen was one of the top stars invited for the fixture. He has been the first-choice striker for the Super Eagles in recent years, and he would have been expected to lead the line.

There were fears that he could miss the games two weeks ago because he was struggling with a slight injury at Napoli. However, those fears were allayed after he played for the club in the final game of the season against Lecce.

Unfortunately, it appears that Osimhen did not really recover from the injury. Because in a new development relayed by the NFF, Osimhen will be unavailable for the South Africa and Benin games because of an injury.

In Osimhen’s place, Finidi has called up NPFL defender Kenneth Igboke. The Rangers man has been a stalwart in Rangers’ backline this season. However, it is unlikely that he will get minutes in the two games.

As it stands, Bayer Leverkusen star Victor Boniface would like lead the line for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria play South Africa on the 7th of June at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo before traveling to Ivory Coast to play Benin at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny three days later.

This post was last modified on %s = human-readable time difference 5:46 pm

Kelvin Omachonu

View Comments

  • Make $170 per hour. its very hard to find jobs nowadays. In this situation, you have access to a wealth of resources to help you with your working abilities. Be motivated to promote Thousands of works such as copy paste things through job boards and career tr-40 websites on internet

    Just Take A Look At This>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> quickguidance06.blogspot.com

Share
Published by
Kelvin Omachonu

Recent Posts

“Alex Iwobi will go down as a great”- Troost-Ekong speaks on Fulham star’s Super Eagles legacy

Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has insisted that Fulham star Alex Iwobi will go down… Read More

58 minutes ago

Nigeria vs Rwanda: Five Super Eagles stars that can curtail stubborn Wasps

Nigeria officially qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw against… Read More

10 hours ago

Nigeria: Super Eagles’ likely XI vs Rwanda: Lookman & Aina out; Osimhen a doubt; Boniface in

Nigeria will not be under significant pressure when the Super Eagles face Rwanda in their… Read More

11 hours ago

“It was a game of cat and mouse” – Super Eagles captain speaks on his Father punishing him for picking football over academics

Super Eagles and Al-Kholood defender, William Troost-Ekong, has revealed it was a tussle with his… Read More

11 hours ago

“I’m pretty much South African” – Nigeria-eligible Midtjylland-linked defender pledges national allegiance to Bafana Bafana

SuperSport United centre-back, Ime Okon has revealed his preferred choice of national team to represent… Read More

12 hours ago

“I should be on the list” – Victor Boniface reacts to CAF POTY nomination exclusion, names his favourite to win

Super Eagles and Bayer 04 Leverkusen striker, Victor Okoh Boniface, has reacted to his omission… Read More

14 hours ago