Osimhen Out for Nigeria's World Cup qualifier against South Africa

Nigeria edged Rwanda in Uyo on Saturday but suffered a major blow when striker Victor Osimhen was forced off injured, leaving him ruled out of Tuesday’s crucial trip to face South Africa and casting fresh doubt over the Super Eagles’ already precarious World Cup qualifying campaign. The Group C fixture at Godswill Akpabio Stadium kicked off at 1600 GMT on September 6 and served as a must win for the hosts, who entered the match trailing group leaders South Africa by six points.

Eric Chelle’s side registered a narrow victory to move to 10 points from seven matches, while Rwanda remained on eight, keeping the race for the group’s runners up and second place alive. The result offered a temporary lift to a nation that has struggled in qualifying, but attention quickly turned to Osimhen after he limped off in the 35th minute clutching his leg.

Accounts differed on the exact nature of the injury. Match reports said Osimhen held his calf as he left the pitch, while the Nigeria Football Federation said he later sustained a chin bruise in the game. The team doctor described the problem as a shin bruise and confirmed Osimhen would not join the squad for the Bloemfontein trip, ruling him...