Super Eagles’ star striker and African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, will be sidelined for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic due to an injury.
The official announcement came via the Super Eagles’ X handle on Tuesday.
In response to Osimhen’s absence, Coach Finidi George has called up Kenneth Igboke from Enugu Rangers to join the squad.
The post read, “Camp update: Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen is injured and out for 4 weeks. Super Eagles’ Coach Finidi George has called up Enugu Rangers’ left back Kenneth Igboke for the WC qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Rep.”
The Napoli’s hitman absence is a significant setback for Nigeria’s World Cup aspirations.
The Super Eagles currently sit third in Group C of the African qualification series, trailing behind leaders Rwanda and South Africa.
Benin Republic is at the bottom with one point. Rwanda leads the group with four points, while Lesotho and Zimbabwe each have two points.
The 25-year-old star, who played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s second-place finish at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier in 2024, has not featured for the Super Eagles since the tournament.
He also missed the team’s recent friendly matches against Ghana and Mali due to injury.
Last week, Coach Finidi George unveiled the 23-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to clash with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on June 7. This will be followed by an away match against Benin Republic on June 10.
