The Super Eagles touched down in Bloemfontein on Sunday ahead of Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa, but star striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out through injury.
Osimhen limped off in Saturday’s 1-0 win over Rwanda in Uyo and will return to Galatasaray for further tests after the team doctor confirmed he would miss the clash with Bafana Bafana.
His absence is a major blow for Nigeria, who are struggling to revive their campaign.
Cyriel Dessers failed to make an impact when replacing Osimhen against Rwanda, leaving Tolu Arokodare, the match-winner in Uyo as the likely starter in Bloemfontein.
Nigeria sit third in Group C with 10 points from seven games, behind leaders South Africa on 16 and Benin on 11.
Only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the 2026 finals in the USA, Canada and Mexico.
