Nigeria have recalled star striker Victor Osimhen for this month’s pivotal 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Rwanda and South Africa, with the Super Eagles’ hopes of automatic qualification hanging by a thread.
Osimhen, who missed the previous international window as Coach Eric Chelle tested fringe players during the Unity Cup and the Russia friendly, returns to the squad alongside Ademola Lookman, Alex Iwobi, Ola Aina, and Calvin Bassey.
During Osimhen’s absence, Chelle described his approach as part of a wider rebuilding process.
“We have a lot of talented players in Nigeria, and it is important to give them the chance to prove themselves. We are 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,” Chelle explained.
That experimental phase now gives way to urgency as Nigeria’s qualification campaign reaches a critical point.
The Super Eagles sit six points behind Group C leaders South Africa with four matches remaining. Saturday’s home clash with Rwanda in Uyo will be followed by a high-stakes trip to Bloemfontein to face the Bafana Bafana on Tuesday.
Failure to defeat Rwanda would all but end Nigeria’s hopes of regaining control of the group, while a loss to South Africa could effectively seal their fate before the final round of fixtures in October.
Osimhen, who joined Galatasaray on a permanent deal this summer, has scored two goals in three league appearances so far this season. He is expected to lead the attack with the same clinical form that saw him score a brace against Rwanda in March and net against Zimbabwe before Nigeria conceded a late equaliser.
If South Africa defeat Lesotho on Saturday, Nigeria must win both upcoming games to maintain any chance of topping the group. Otherwise, the Super Eagles will have to rely on the play-off route, making October’s fixtures a last-ditch opportunity.
Osimhen’s return carries not only the weight of expectation but also the responsibility of reigniting Nigeria’s challenge for a place at the World Cup.