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.

Camp update: Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen is injured and out for 4 weeks. Super Eagles’ Coach Finidi George has called up Enugu Rangers’ left back Kenneth Igboke for the WC qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Rep. #soarsupereagles pic.twitter.com/uEGaYBoG1n
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) May 28, 2024

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.