NAPOLI striker Victor Osimhen has been withdrawn from the Super Eagles squad that will face South Africa and Republic of Benin in 2026 World Cup qualifying matches in June.
The African Player of the Year is out for four weeks with injury and therefore would not be fit for the games, the Super Eagles announced today.
Enugu Rangers left-back Kenneth Igboke will replace Osimhen in the squad for the qualifiers.
Osimhen has battled with fitness issues in recent weeks, the 25-year-old missing Napoli’s Serie A fixture against Fiorentina on May 17 due to muscle fatigue and coming on for only the final 25 minutes on Sunday against Lecce.
He has not played for the Super Eagles since the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire in January and February, missing the friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March.
Indeed, Osimhen is yet to feature in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers as he was not available for the disappointing draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November due to a hamstring injury.
The Super Eagles, now under the guidance of Finidi George, resume the qualifying campaign on June 7 against South Africa in Uyo and three days later against Benin Republic in Abijdan, Cote d’Ivoire.
