Bafana boosted as Osimhen injury clouds Nigeria clash

THE good news for Bafana Bafana as they prepare to cement their position atop Group C of Africa's 2026 World Cup qualifiers by beating their main nemesis Nigeria tomorrow is that the Super Eagles could be without their top striker.

- MATSHELANE MAMABOLO-

Former African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen was injured in Saturday night’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo and has reportedly been left out of the West Africans’ travelling squad for the Matchday 8 clash at the ‘Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.

The Galatasaray attacker was clearly singled out for special attention by Rwanda, who hardly gave him breathing space and had their defenders continuously snapping at his heels.

Left complaining to the match officials for protection, which was not forthcoming, the striker - who plays with a protective mask - spent a significant amount of time writhing in pain on the turf after being kicked hard.

One such challenge saw him substituted 10 minutes before the break of a match the Super Eagles won courtesy of a scrambled goal by Tolu Arokodare.