Osimhen Ruled Out of South Africa Clash After Ankle Injury in Rwanda Win

|By Babatunji Wusu

Nigeria’s hopes ahead of Tuesday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against South Africa suffered a blow after star striker Victor Osimhen was ruled out with ankle ligament damage.

The Super Eagles forward limped off during the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo and was replaced by Cyriel Dessers. He later travelled to Turkey for scans with his club, Galatasaray.

Galatasaray’s team doctor, Yener İnce, confirmed in a medical bulletin on Tuesday that Osimhen sustained “a moderate sprain, involving stretching and bleeding in his ankle ligaments.” He added that treatment has begun to speed up the striker’s recovery.

While Osimhen faces time on the sidelines, Tolu Arokodare, who netted the decisive goal against Rwanda in the 51st minute, is now tipped by fans and analysts to lead Nigeria’s attack in Bloemfontein.