- Osimhen ruled out of South Africa qualifier after ankle injury vs Rwanda.
- Tests reveal moderate sprain and ligament strain; treatment ongoing.
- Forward’s availability for Galatasaray’s weekend match remains unclear.
Nigeria forward Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the Super Eagles’ next World Cup qualifier against South Africa after picking up an ankle injury during Saturday’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the striker, who had to be taken off in the first half following a tough tackle from Rwanda’s Claude Niyomugabo, was initially diagnosed with a shin bruise by the Super Eagles’ medical team.
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He later complained of discomfort on Sunday morning and was dropped from the traveling squad to Bloemfontein.
“Victor felt pain when he woke up and will not be part of the group flying to South Africa,” said team media officer Promise Efoghe.
Following his withdrawal from the squad, Osimhen returned to Turkey for further evaluation by his club side, Galatasaray.
Team doctor Dr Yener Slim revealed that the tests showed a moderate ligament sprain, along with tension and internal bleeding in the ankle.
“Scans conducted on Tuesday confirmed a moderate sprain in the ankle with some bleeding and strain on the ligaments.
Treatment has commenced to help him recover quickly,” Dr Slim stated via the club’s official platform.
In his absence, Cyriel Dessers came on as a substitute against Rwanda but failed to make much of an impact.
It remains uncertain if Osimhen will recover in time for Galatasaray’s league clash against Eyüpspor this weekend.
