Super Eagles Grapple with Injury Troubles Ahead of the World Cup Qualifiers

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The Nigerian national football team’s Super Eagles are grappling with a range of injuries to star players like Victor Osimhen as they prepare to face the pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe next month.

Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen was substituted in the 89th minute of a scoreless draw against Fenerbahce on February 24, 2025. The medical staff said Osimhen complained of pain in his right thigh. An MRI scan at Medicana Hospital revealed a moderate hamstring strain and hematoma in the upper part of his right hamstring. Osimhen will be sidelined for around two weeks.

Aside from Osimhen’s injury, several other key players are dealing with fitness concerns. Defender William Troost-Ekong has missed Al Kholood’s previous two league matches with a muscle injury, and his availability for the upcoming qualifiers is still unsure. Similarly, Semi Ajayi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are also dealing with injuries, which questions their participation in the next fixtures.

Head coach Eric Chelle has expressed concern at the swelling list of injuries but is optimistic about the chances of the team. “Injuries are part and parcel of the game, but we have a good team with good players to fill in,” said Chelle. “Our medical staff are working diligently to facilitate the early recovery of the injured players.”

To bolster the team during such periods, Coach Chelle has extended invites to young hopefuls and seasoned veterans. Specifically, Newcastle wing-back Jacob Murphy has been invited to make a change in international allegiance to Nigeria by capitalizing on his eligibility due to his father’s country of origin.

Additionally, in-form Getafe striker Uche Chrisantus and Enyimba goalkeeper Henry Ozoemena Ani have received their maiden national invite.

The Super Eagles sit fifth in Group C of the World Cup qualifiers with three points from a possible four games. The games coming up are pivotal, as Nigeria seeks to register wins to drive their chances of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team will next travel to Kigali to face Rwanda on March 21, then host Zimbabwe back home at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on March 25.
Despite the injury hiccups, the Super Eagles are poised to demonstrate strength and collect the needed wins in the upcoming qualifiers. The Nigerian Football Federation and fans across the nation continue to stand behind the team, hoping for a winning campaign.