Victor Osimhen is back in the Nigeria squad for their crucial World Cup qualification double-header.
Osimhen was not involved for the Super Eagles during the last international break, left out by Eric Chelle for the Unity Cup triumph and the 1-1 draw against Russia.
Part of the reason for the striker’s absence was Galatasaray’s 2024-25 campaign did not conclude until late May, while Chelle wanted to give opportunity to some of the homegrown emerging talent.
He said: “We have a lot of talented players in Nigeria, and it’s important to give them the chance to prove themselves.
“We’re working on a long-term project to build an identity for the team, and that requires integrating players who can adapt quickly and contribute.
“The Unity Cup provides a good platform to test new players and tactics as we prepare for upcoming competitions, especially in September.”
As expected, Osimhen has earned an immediate recall to the Nigeria squad - alongside the likes of Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina and Calvin Bassey - for games against Rwanda on Saturday and South Africa four days later.
The 26-year-old, who sealed a permanent transfer to Galatasaray in the summer, has scored two goals in three league appearances thus far and will be hoping to pick up from where he left off in Nigeria colours.
Osimhen netted a brace in the 2-0 win away at Rwanda in March and looked to have secured victory against Zimbabwe in the following game when he broke the deadlock in the 74th minute. However, Tawanda Chirewa equalised in the 90th to earn the visitors a point.
Nine days out from Nigeria’s showdown with the Amavubi in Uyo.
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) August 28, 2025
Cast your mind back to Kigali, where @victorosimhen9 turned on the jets and finished with icy composure at the Amahoro.#Naija4thewin #SoarSuperFalcons #FIFAWCQ pic.twitter.com/rCEq1MXMfa
That result means Nigeria now trail Group C leaders South Africa by six points. With four games remaining, the Super Eagles’ hopes of automatic qualification for next summer’s World Cup will be over if results go against them during this international window.
If South Africa beat Lesotho on Saturday, Nigeria must win both of their fixtures - including the big showdown at the Free State Stadium - to have any hope of topping the group.
That said, Nigeria should still have a chance of securing a play-off spot at the very least when the decisive October fixtures come around.
