Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa after sustaining an injury in the Super Eagles’ 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday, September 6.

Team officials confirmed on Sunday, September 7, that the 26-year-old striker will not travel with the squad to Bloemfontein after suffering a shin injury. Osimhen, who started the match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, was forced off in the first half despite initially attempting to continue following treatment from the medical staff. He was replaced by Cyril Dessers in the 35th minute.

Promise Efoghe, the team’s media officer, disclosed that the Napoli forward woke up in discomfort and would be unavailable for Tuesday’s decisive encounter. “Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his shin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be traveling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game,” Efoghe said.

Nigeria’s victory over Rwanda was their first in five matches in Group A of the qualifiers, lifting them to third place on ten points after seven games. South Africa currently top the group with 16 points, setting the stage for a decisive showdown on September 9 with three matches remaining.

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A total of 16 countries have qualified for the 2026 World Cup.

Uruguay, Colombia and Paraguay secured their spots on Thursday, following the penultimate qualifying fixtures in the South America zone.

There were 3-0 wins for both Uruguay and Colombia, while Paraguay had a scoreless draw.

The trio join already qualified Argentina, Brazil and Ecuador from the continent.

The World Cup next year will have a record 48 teams and will be co-hosted the United States, Mexico and Canada, who all earned automatic qualification.

Other countries who have already booked their places include Japan, New Zealand, Iran, Uzbekistan, South Korea, Jordan and Australia.

A total of 43 will qualify through continental qualifying tournaments, while two more will secure their places in the intercontinental playoffs featuring six teams in March 2026.

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Argentina captain, Lionel Messi, has said he is not certain about playing at the 2026 World Cup.

Messi has claimed he does not enjoy playing football when he is not fully fit.

The 38-year-old made this admission after scoring twice in the 3-0 win over Venezuela on Thursday.

It could be the last time that Messi features in a qualifying game on home soil.

“As I’ve said before, I don’t think I’ll play another World Cup.

“At my age, it’s only logical to think I might not,” Messi told TyC Sports.

According to the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, his participation at next year’s World Cup will come down to his fitness.

“Match by match, I’ll finish the season, then have preseason, and in six months, I’ll see how I feel,” he said.

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