The Galatasaray striker started in Saturday’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda but was forced off in the 35th minute after a heavy challenge from Claude Niyomugabo.
Osimhen was subsequently replaced by new Panathinaikos forward Cyriel Dessers.
While Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle was uncertain about the extent of the former Napoli striker’s injury after the match, the national team later confirmed he would miss the contest against Bafana Bafana.
“Team doctor confirmed Victor Osimhen’s injury is a bruise on his Shin. He woke up this morning with discomfort and will not be travelling with the squad to South Africa for Tuesday’s game,” a statement made available to Flashscore.com read.
With the 2023 African Player of the Year unavailable, coach Chelle will rely on Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon to deliver in the make-or-break clash.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles departed for Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Sunday morning ahead of Tuesday’s decisive clash at the Free State Stadium.
Nigeria, champions of Africa in 2013, currently sit third in Group C with 10 points from seven matches, trailing Benin Republic and South Africa.
The stakes could not be higher, as anything short of victory against Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana would deliver a major blow to their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes.
Nigeria are desperate to avoid a repeat of 2022, when they failed to reach the tournament in Qatar after a painful play-off defeat to Ghana.
With pressure mounting, Tuesday’s showdown represents a must-win opportunity for the team to keep their dream of returning to the world stage alive.
