Osimhen’s out. Just like that.

By: Akinde Oluwaseun

One minute he’s charging down the wing, electric—next, he’s on the ground. Holding his face. Pain all over it.

It happened Saturday. Uyo. Super Eagles vs Rwanda. First half. He took a knock, yeah—but not the kind you think. Not a tackle. Something weird. A clash. Head-to-head. Came off minutes later. Cyriel Dessers came on. Game went on. Nigeria won 1-0. But the win felt… hollow.

Coach Chelle said after: “We’ll see. He’ll be assessed.” Sounds calm. But you could tell—there was worry behind the words.

Then Sunday morning. Bad news.

Promise Efoghe, the team’s media guy, drops a short statement: Osimhen woke up with pain. On his chin. Weird, right? Not the leg. Not the groin. The chin. Apparently, the injury from the collision flared up. Swelling. Discomfort. Enough for the medics to say: No. Not going to South Africa.

So he’s staying back. Flying back to Turkey instead. To Galatasaray. To get checked properly.

And Nigeria? They fly south without their star.

Tuesday. Bloemfontein. Toyota Stadium. Bafana Bafana waiting.

No Osimhen. No firepower.

I mean—Dessers is solid. Looku Looku’s there. Simon’s scoring goals in Germany. But it’s not the same. When Osimhen plays, the whole team breathes different. Like, okay, we got a chance.

Now? It’s grit. Heart. Hope.

Injuries suck. Especially now. Matchday eight. World Cup qualifiers. Every point matters.

But that’s football. One man goes down. Others have to step up.

Just wish it wasn’t him. Not now.