Super Eagles star striker Victor Osimhen has failed fitness test ahead of the crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa on Tuesday.
Osimhen sustained an ankle injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda on Saturday, forcing him to limp off the pitch.
Super coach Chelle earlier admitted that the extent of Osimhen’s injury remains unclear, stating, “I can’t say much about Victor for now. He has pain in his ankle”.
“We will see when he wakes up tomorrow, and I also have to discuss with the team doctors to know if he will be available for the next game.”
In an official statement released on Sunday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed the development: “Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his chin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be traveling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game.”
The injury has raised concerns in the Nigerian camp, as Osimhen is central to the team’s qualification ambitions.
Nigeria trails Group C leaders South Africa by six points and Benin Republic by one point.
This make it a must win game against South Africa for their World Cup hopes.
Tolu Arokodare’s overhead kick rescued three points for Nigeria against Rwanda, providing a glimmer of hope for the team’s qualification prospects.
With Osimhen’s unavailability for the match against South Africa, the coach will look for plan B in other to reduce any significant effect of his absence in the crucial qualifier.
Nigeria is at risk of missing back to back world cup appearances for the first time since their historic appearance in 1994.
