Breaking: Osimhen Ruled Out Of Bafana Match

The Nigeria Football Association (NFF) has confirmed that star striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the Super Eagles’ crucial FIFA World Cup qualifying match against Bafana Bafana on Tuesday.

This decision comes after the 2023 African Footballer of the Year hobbled off the field with an ankle injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 win against Rwanda on Saturday.

At the time of his substitution, the game was a scoreless draw, suggesting the injury was severe rather than just a precautionary measure.

The former Napoli striker was seen with an ice pack on his left ankle, and NFF spokesperson Ademola Olajire told Sportswire, “Yes, Osimhen is ruled out.”

Despite Osimhen’s absence, Nigeria went on to win with a goal from new Wolves striker Toluwalase Arokodare six minutes into the second half.

Bafana Bafana’s Qualifying Boost

Osimhen’s absence is a significant boost for Bafana Bafana. A victory in Tuesday’s match would bring them much closer to securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

Bafana Bafana currently sits at the top of their group with 16 points after seven matches, five points ahead of Benin. In the African qualifiers, only the group winners automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the four best-placed runners-up get a second chance via a play-off round.

Notably, Bafana Bafana has not lost to Nigeria in a home World Cup qualifying match since September 2008, when Kalu Uche scored in Port Elizabeth under Joel Santana.

Their last home loss in a World Cup qualifier was against Senegal in 2017.