South Africa vs Nigeria: He is in pain - Galatasaray boss gives update on Osimhen injury

Galatasaray manager Okan Buruk has indicated that Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen will not be available for the Super Eagles when they face South Africa in a crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Osimhen picked up an ankle injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda on Saturday in Uyo and was substituted in the first half, raising immediate concerns over his fitness.

Speaking to Turkish outlet Now Spor, as quoted by habersarikirmizi, Buruk revealed that the injury is serious enough to rule Osimhen out of the upcoming qualifier.

“If possible, we want to bring him [Osimhen] here as soon as possible and have him checked,” Buruk said.

He added, “It will be clearer tomorrow, but he is in pain. He will not be able to play in the match in two days [against South Africa]. It was a shame for us.”

During the Rwanda game, Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle replaced Osimhen with Panathinaikos striker Cyriel Dessers, who is now expected to lead the line against Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein.

Nigeria currently sits third in Group C with 10 points, trailing leaders South Africa by six points with only three matches remaining. Anything short of victory on Tuesday could end hopes of automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup.