Victor Osimhen will not feature in Nigeria’s crucial World Cup qualifier against South Africa after Galatasaray confirmed the striker has suffered ankle ligament damage – www.isagoal.com reports.
The Super Lig champions announced that medical checks showed a moderate sprain, with stretching and bleeding in the ligaments, forcing doctors to begin immediate treatment.
Galatasaray’s medical head, Yener İnce, revealed scans at the club’s partner hospital ruled the striker out of action until full recovery.
Osimhen was forced off early in Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda after colliding with a defender, and he did not make the trip with the Super Eagles to Bloemfontein.
A private jet flew him straight back to Turkey, while his international teammates continued to South Africa for a match that could decide their World Cup hopes.
Nigeria sit six points behind Bafana Bafana in Group C, and a loss in Tuesday’s fixture would push automatic qualification further away.
Coach Eric Chelle has downplayed the setback, saying: “Osimhen is a big star, but I have a strong squad with great players who are enough for me.”
The manager will now rely on Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, and Ademola Lookman to carry the attack in Bloemfontein.
Osimhen had only just settled into life in Turkey, scoring twice in his first two league games for Galatasaray since leaving Napoli.
His absence is a double blow, as Galatasaray must prepare for Süper Lig action against Eyüpsor before meeting Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League.
This article was updated 1 month ago
