Osimhen to miss South Africa showdown

 Nigeria will be without key striker, Victor Osim­hen, for today’s must-win World Cup qualifier in South Africa after a foot injury saw him miss the trip, officials confirmed yesterday.

The 2023 African Footballer of the Year is Nigeria’s lead attacker but was hurt playing in Saturday’s 1-0 home win over Rwanda in Uyo and ruled out of the Group C showdown in Bloemfontein.

Nigeria trail leaders South Africa by six points in the standings, although South Africa are expected to be sanctioned three points for using a defaulter earlier in the quali­fying campaign, making this a key game for any late comeback for the Super Eagles.