With Victor Osimhen ruled out of the trip to South Africa, the Super Eagles will have to reshuffle their attack for Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.

Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface is expected to lead the line. His combination of power, pace, and finishing ability makes him the natural replacement for Osimhen.

OGC Nice forward Terem Moffi provides another strong option, capable of holding up play and unsettling defenders with his physical presence.

Coach Eric Chelle could also opt for a more fluid front three, pushing Ademola Lookman into a central attacking role to add creativity and mobility.

Though Osimhen’s absence is a major blow, Chelle still has a variety of attacking weapons at his disposal as Nigeria seeks crucial points in Group C

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Nigeria have been dealt a huge blow ahead of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa in Bloemfontein, with star striker Victor Osimhen ruled out through injury.

The 26-year-old forward, who was expected to spearhead the Super Eagles’ attack, has been diagnosed with a shin bruise.

According to the team’s medical staff, Osimhen complained of discomfort and woke up still in pain, forcing the coaches to leave him out of the travelling squad.

“Victor sustained a bruise on his shin and is still not comfortable. It was decided that he would not make the trip to South Africa,” a team source confirmed.

His absence is a major setback for Nigeria, who are chasing vital points to strengthen their position in Group C of the qualifiers.

Meanwhile, Osimhen’s club, Galatasaray, have expressed concern over the injury, especially with key domestic and European fixtures on the horizon.

 The Turkish champions host Eyupspor in the Super Lig on September 14 before taking on Eintracht Frankfurt in a high-profile Champions League clash four days later.

Galatasaray’s technical crew confirmed that the player will return to Istanbul for a detailed medical examination to assess the extent of the damage.

Reports suggest the club is hopeful the injury is not long-term, but anxiety remains over his availability for the coming weeks.

Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray in a record move this summer, has already established himself as a pivotal figure in their attack.

His absence for both country and club could prove decisive in the crucial fixtures ahead.

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By KUNLE SOLAJA

With less than a year to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in the United States, Mexico and Canada, the qualification picture is beginning to take shape.

So far, 16 nations have secured their tickets to the expanded 48-team tournament, which will run from June 11 to July 19 across North America.

Hosts in the Spotlight

The three co-hosts—United States, Mexico and Canada—booked automatic spots, ensuring North America’s presence is strongly felt on home soil.

 Each carries a different pedigree: the U.S. eyeing a return to knockout relevance after their 1930 semi-final run, Mexico looking to finally break their round-of-16 ceiling, and Canada aiming to move beyond the group stage after two unsuccessful attempts.

Asia’s Powerhouses and First-Timers

Asian giants Japan and South Korea are back, bringing with them decades of consistency.

Japan will target a first-ever quarter-final appearance after four round-of-16 exits, while Korea still cherish their 2002 semi-final run.

The real story, though, comes from Asia’s new entrants. Uzbekistan and Jordan have qualified for the World Cup for the first time, marking historic milestones for Central and Middle Eastern football.

Their inclusion highlights the impact of the expanded format in opening doors for emerging football nations. Iran, meanwhile, maintain their streak as Asia’s most regular World Cup participants, though they are still searching for a knockout-stage breakthrough.

Oceania Breakthrough

New Zealand return for their third World Cup and first since 2010. Known for their defensive resilience, the All Whites will again carry Oceania’s banner on the world stage.

South America’s Heavyweights Lead the Charge

As ever, South America is shaping up to be one of the strongest regions. Defending champions Argentina, five-time winners Brazil, and two-time winners Uruguay have already qualified, ensuring that the tournament will have no shortage of pedigree.

 Ecuador, Colombia, and Paraguay also secured their spots, reflecting CONMEBOL’s remarkable depth. Colombia and Paraguay, both quarter-finalists in the past, will hope to recapture their golden moments.

Africa’s Rising Star

Morocco, fresh off their historic 2022 semi-final run in Qatar, were the first African side to punch their ticket to 2026.

They arrive not as underdogs this time, but as genuine contenders, carrying the hopes of a continent eager for another deep run.

Australia’s Consistency

The Socceroos, who have grown into reliable qualifiers since their switch to the Asian confederation, will make their seventh World Cup appearance.

Their aim will be to build on the round-of-16 showings of 2006 and 2022.

A Tournament Taking Shape

With qualification still ongoing, these 16 teams offer a glimpse into the diversity and competitive balance that will define the 2026 World Cup.

 From debutants like Uzbekistan and Jordan to global giants like Brazil and Argentina, the field already captures the essence of football’s global reach.

As more nations join the roster in the coming months, the mix of tradition, ambition, and fresh stories promises to make North America’s first World Cup in three decades one of the most captivating editions yet.

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