Victor Osimhen Ruled Out of Nigeria’s World Cup Qualifiers Against Bafana, Replaced With NPFL Star

• Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria's World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin
• The Nigerian international featured in Napoli's last game of the 2023-24 season over the weekend
• The ex-Lille striker has been replaced with a player from the Nigerian Professional Football League

Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has been ruled out of Nigeria's forthcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and the Benin Republic.

The Nigerian striker featured in Napoli's final game of the season against Lecce over the weekend but could not lead his team to victory.

The reigning CAF Player of the Year made Finidi George's final list for both games in June, but his injury problems have continued to keep him out of the national team.

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The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) released a statement on their official handle on X (formerly known as Twitter) confirming Osimhen's unavailability for the two qualifiers next month.

"Camp update: Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen is injured and out for four weeks," NFF stated.

The Nigerian football governing body also confirmed that Finidi George decided to replace the Napoli striker with Enugu Rangers left-back Kenneth Igboke.

"Super Eagles' Coach Finidi George has called up Enugu Rangers' left back Kenneth Igboke for the WC qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Rep," the NFF added.

The Super Eagles will host Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, on Friday, June 7, while they will face the Gernot Rohr's Benin Republic three days later at the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny, Ivory Coast.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that Valter De Maggio has claimed that Osimhen could be moving to the Middle East as the Nigerian keeps attracting interest from Saudi Arabian clubs.

The likes of Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester United, and Chelsea have been heavily linked with the Super Eagles forward, but the Italian journalist believes he may not remain in Europe.

De Maggio elaborated that Osimhen preferred to go to England, but his €130 million release clause could be a problem for the Gunners.