By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
The Nigerian national football team will be without star striker Victor Osimhen for their upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic. The announcement was made on the Super Eagles’ official X handle on Tuesday.
Osimhen, who was recently named Africa Player of the Year, is sidelined with an injury that will keep him out of action for four weeks. In response, Super Eagles Coach Finidi George has called up Kenneth Igboke, a left-back from Enugu Rangers, to join the squad.
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“Camp update: Africa Player of the Year, Victor Osimhen is injured and out for 4 weeks. 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 Super Eagles’ post read.
Coach Finidi George had previously announced a 23-man squad for the crucial qualifiers. The Super Eagles are set to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, on June 7, followed by an away match against Benin Republic on June 10. The team will need to adapt quickly to the absence of their star player as they aim to secure their place in the World Cup.
