Nigeria suffers a huge blow when their best player is ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against South Africa

Not just Victor Osimhen, the called-up Super Eagle, will be absent from Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.

For Finidi George, who is overseeing his first trainings as the Super Eagles head coach, things are becoming more and more challenging.

Due to the fact that Nigeria is only tied for third place in their group with two points after two draws against Lesotho (1-1) and Zimbabwe (1-1), the absence of two important players makes things more difficult for the staff.

Nathan Tella, a forward for Bayer Leverkusen, will also miss this international break, but for different reasons, the Nigerian team stated on Thursday. Victor Osimhen is sidelined for one month owing to an injury.

“For family concerns, Bayer Leverkusen’s Nathan Tella has withdrawn from the upcoming WCQ matches. Ibrahim Olawoyin of Caykur Rizespor in Turkey has now been called up by coach Finidi George, according to a social media announcement from the Super Eagles staff.

Reminder: On June 6, Nigeria will host South Africa in Abuja. On June 10, Nigeria will travel to the Ivory Coast to play Benin Republic.