Super Eagles and Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, was forced to leave Nigeria’s 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in the 36th minute on Saturday evening in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, after suffering an injury to his left ankle.
The 26-year-old forward, who started in Nigeria’s lineup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers Group C match, went down in the penalty area after a challenge from a Rwandan defender in the 27th minute. Osimhen initially got up angrily before collapsing back to the ground in visible pain.
Medical staff attended to Osimhen on the field before determining he could not continue. The striker was visibly frustrated and upset as he was helped off the pitch, with teammates and coaching staff providing consolation. Ice treatment was immediately applied to his left ankle on the sideline.
Osimhen was later replaced by Cyriel Dessers in what represents a significant blow for both Nigeria’s World Cup campaign and Türkiye’s champions Galatasaray.
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