2026 WCQ: Nigeria’s Super Eagles get major boost ahead of South Africa clash

Head coach of Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Finidi George, has received significant reinforcement ahead of a vital 2026 World Cup Qualifier against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana next week.

This was possible after star striker, Victor Osimhen, who was sidelined since May 11 with a muscle injury, made his comeback at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona on Sunday.

Osimhen, the reigning African Footballer of the Year, had been a major doubt for the June international fixtures between Nigeria versus South Africa and Benin Republic.

However, Napoli’s recent fitness update revealed that while he initially underwent personalized training sessions, he was unexpectedly included in the matchday squad against Lecce.

Although it was speculated that Osimhen was named in the squad merely to bid farewell to Napoli fans ahead of a potential transfer to Chelsea or Paris Saint-Germain, he ended up playing for 25 minutes.

During his brief stint on the pitch, he made a notable impact and nearly scored with a last-minute header.

If Osimhen remains injury-free in the upcoming training sessions, he is expected to start against South Africa on June 7.

Meanwhile, the fitness status of another key player, Samuel Chukwueze, remains uncertain.

AC Milan announced on Saturday that Chukwueze missed their final season match against Salernitana due to a hamstring injury, leaving his availability for the upcoming internationals in doubt.