Former Super Eagles forward Obinna Nsofor in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa expressed belief that Nigeria can still secure a result against South Africa in Tuesday’s World Cup Qualifier despite the absence of star striker Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen picked up an injury during Nigeria’s hard-fought 1-0 win over Rwanda at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Saturday. The striker was initially able to continue after treatment but went down again a few minutes later and had to be substituted.
Match-winner ⚡️
Tolu Arokodare with the decisive strike for the Super Eagles last night🦅#SoarSuperEagles #Naija4theWin pic.twitter.com/ip7G20VwMn
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 7, 2025
“It is a shame Osimhen will not be available for the South Africa and Nigeria game because he is Nigeria’s best player and would have been a huge weapon for the Super Eagles,” Nsofor noted in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa.
“He is a player who has proven to be a team player, and in big games like this, his presence alone could intimidate opponents. However, I believe that we have talented players in the team like Tolu (Arokodare) and Dessers that can make an impact to help the team win the match in South Africa,” he added.
The former Inter Milan forward, who earned 48 caps for Nigeria, admitted that the fixture in Johannesburg will be demanding.
“Obviously, it is going to be a tough match for the Super Eagles because South Africa also wants to be at the next World Cup,” he explained.
“At the end of the day, it all comes down to how obsessed and determined the Nigerian players are to give everything they have to get the required three points. That result will give them the motivation to win the remaining matches and qualify for the World Cup,” Nsofor concluded.
Team doctors later confirmed that the Galatasaray forward had suffered a bruised shin, ruling him out of Tuesday’s crucial World Cup qualifier. He is expected to leave Uyo for Turkey to begin treatment.
The win against Rwanda, sealed by Tolu Arokodare’s second international goal, was overshadowed by the injury setback.
Uyo 🛫 Bloemfontein, South Africa.
The battle with Bafana Bafana awaits! 🦅.#SoarSuperEagles #Naija4theWin pic.twitter.com/HF3RbOA4Ww
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 7, 2025
After seven rounds of matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers (CAF Zone), Nigeria sit third in Group C with 10 points, trailing Benin (11 points) and leaders South Africa (16 points).
