He has pain in his ankle - Eric Chelle provides Victor Osimhen injury update

Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen is facing a race against time to be fit for the Super Eagles’ crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.

The forward was forced off in the first half of Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo after sustaining an ankle injury.

Osimhen rejoined the national team setup this month after missing the Unity Cup triumph in May and the 1-1 draw with Russia that followed.

Expectedly, he led the line against Rwanda, but his outing lasted less than 45 minutes. The 26-year-old, who netted twice against the same opposition in March, could not replicate that form as injury ended his game prematurely.

Head coach Eric Chelle confirmed that the situation remains uncertain, with the medical team expected to assess the striker in the coming days.

“I can’t say much about Victor for now. He has pain in his ankle, and we will see how he feels tomorrow (today). I also need to consult the doctors before we know if he can make the trip,” Chelle told reporters after the match.

Nigeria’s slim qualification hopes hang in the balance in their upcoming showdown with Group C leaders South Africa in Bloemfontein.

Despite edging Rwanda 1-0 through a spectacular overhead kick from substitute Tolu Arokodare, the Super Eagles remain six points behind Bafana Bafana with only three games left to play.

Anything short of victory could end their chances of automatic qualification.