NFF pleaded but he refused - Osimhen reportedly refuses to join Super Eagles in South Africa

Reports emerged that Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen refused a request from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to travel with the squad to South Africa for their important 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Osimhen's injury occurred during the Super Eagles' 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their first game of the international break.

He was forced off in the first half after a challenge, with initial examinations by the Super Eagles' medical team diagnosing a shin bruise.

However, upon returning to Galatasaray, further tests revealed a moderate ankle sprain. The Turkish club's medical team immediately began treatment, ruling him out of the clash against South Africa.

According to SuperSport presenter Charles Anazodo on his X (formerly Twitter) account, who cited a "very reliable source" and stated that the NFF had asked Osimhen to join his teammates for moral support despite an ankle injury, but the Galatasaray striker "blatantly refused" and returned to his club in Turkey.

He said, “A very reliable source today told me the @thenff officials pleaded with Osimhen to travel with the @NGSuperEagles to South Africa as a means of support despite his injury.

“He blatantly refused and chose to go back to his club.”

Nigeria's draw against South Africa has left their automatic qualification hopes in a precarious position.