The Super Eagles have departed Uyo for South Africa ahead of their crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying matchday 8 clash with Bafana Bafana.
Nigeria’s charter flight left this morning for the encounter scheduled to hold on Tuesday, September 9, at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.
However, the squad will be without star striker and former African Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen, who sustained a shin bruise during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo on Sunday.
Despite initial medical clearance, Osimhen woke up with discomfort and was ruled out of the trip by the team’s doctors.
In his absence, Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Tolu Arokodare is tipped to lead the attack.
The Premier League striker came off the bench to score the decisive goal against Rwanda, securing a vital win that lifted Nigeria to third place in Group C.
Only group winners in the African zone qualification series will automatically book a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Writing by Kelechi Bernard