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

Osimhen was expected to lead the line for Nigeria, but Finidi George would have to cope without him

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 May 28, 2024 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

“We have enough talent”- Auxerre star Gabriel Osho targets World Cup qualification with Super Eagles

Super Eagles star Gabriel Osho is confident that the team can qualify for the 2026… Read More

38 minutes ago

Isaiah Ahmed: Van Persie’s player inspired by Obi Mikel and Troost-Ekong, dreams of Flying Eagles spot

18-year-old defensive midfielder who is currently making waves at SC Heerenveen in the Dutch Eredivisie,… Read More

39 minutes ago

Ola Aina kickstarts Christmas celebrations for Nottingham Forest with brilliant strike against Brentford – Watch

Super Eagles and Nottingham Forest full-back, Olaoluwa Temitayo Aina, scored his second Premier League goal… Read More

1 hour ago

“More opportunity and encouragement” – One-time AFCON winner congratulates Lookman, pleads with NFF to hire local coaches

Former Super Eagles and Shooting Stars forward, Segun Odegbami, has congratulated Ademola Lookman for winning… Read More

2 hours ago

Lookman: Pinnick’s chest-beating recalls NFF youth policy

Oh, it was great to see the media reaction when Amaju Pinnick turned on his… Read More

2 hours ago

“It’s time to say this on the big stage”-  One-cap Super Eagles defender eyes AFCON 2025 victory in Morocco

Super Eagles and AJ Auxerre central defender, Gabriel Adedayo Osho, has backed the Nigerian National… Read More

3 hours ago