Lagos, Nigeria – Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic due to injury. The Super Eagles’ official X platform confirmed Osimhen’s four-week absence.
In response to Osimhen’s injury, head coach Finidi George has called up Kenneth Igboke, a left-back from Enugu Rangers, to replace the African Player of the Year. This brings the number of home-based players in the squad to three.
“Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, is injured and out for four weeks. Super Eagles’ Coach Finidi George has called up Enugu Rangers’ left back Kenneth Igboke for the WC qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic,” the statement read.
The Super Eagles are set to begin their training camp for the two qualifiers this weekend. Nigeria, a three-time African champion, will host South Africa at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, June 7. They will then travel to Abidjan to face Benin Republic three days later.
