Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos on Victor Osimhen's absence: 'That's Finidi's problem'
Published: June 06, 2024![Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos on Victor Osimhen's absence: 'That's Finidi's problem'](../football_pics/42889OsimhenCAM.png)
South Africa coach Hugo Broos has insisted that he is not worried about Victor Osimhen's absence for the matchday three 2026 World Cup qualifier at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on Friday evening.
Osimhen was initially named among the twenty-three players summoned for the Super Eagles' double-header in June but later withdrew from the roster, citing injury, despite featuring in Napoli's final game of the 2023-2024 season.
The reigning African Footballer of the Year was struggling to overcome a muscle injury in the last few week of the campaign and it was thought that he was in contention to participate in the World Cup qualifiers after his appearance against Lecce on the final day of the season.
The Nigeria Football Federation's announcement nine days ago that Osimhen was ruled out of the qualifiers due to injury and would be replaced by Enugu Rangers fullback Kenneth Igboke came as a surprise to nearly everyone.
At the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, after an opening forty-five minutes that failed to yield a goal, it was Osimhen's tenacity that forced a penalty converted by William Troost-Ekong in the 67th minute.
When asked if Osimhen's absence makes his life a bit easier, Broos said at Friday's pre-match press conference: "That's a problem for the coach of Nigeria (Finidi), it's not my problem".
There were doubts over the fitness of Bafana Bafana players Khuliso Mudau, Teboho Mokoena, Aubrey Modiba, Bathusi Aubaas and Ronwen Williams before the squad traveled to Uyo.
The aforementioned South Africa players have been given a clean bill of health for tomorrow's fixture, according to Broos.
"Life is never easy. The AFCON game was very good for us. We played a very good game but the game is finished. Tomorrow is another game so you can just think about it and know that there are things possible.
"About some injuries we had, everyone is one hundred percent fit so we don't have a problem tomorrow."
Osimhen also missed Nigeria's draws against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November 2023 due to a hamstring injury.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
- 'There's an understanding' - Eguavoen defends bringing on Ndah to partner Troost-Ekong in central defence
- Falconets player ratings v Venezuela: Okwuchukwu, Sabastine stars in the making; Omilana, Alani excel
- U20 WWC: Five takeaways as Falconets make a statement with big win against Venezuela
- U20 WWC Venezuela 0 Nigeria 4: Bello, Okwuchukwu, Sabastine, Igbokwe goals send Falconets into round of 16
- Chelsea, Tottenham considered signing Super Eagles-eligible LB who scored 47 seconds into Denmark debut
- Super Eagles player ratings: Lookman standout; Osimhen home again; Troost-Ekong, Ajayi reliable; Ndidi solid
- 2025 Afconq: Boniface under scrutiny and four other observations from Super Eagles win v Cheetahs
- Nigeria 3 Benin 0: Lookman brace and Osimhen acrobatic goal give Super Eagles a comfortable win
- Super Eagles starting XI: Iwobi, Ndidi, Onyemaechi, Chukwueze, Lookman start; Dele-Bashiru, Simon bench
- 'You see the best' - Ex-Nigeria defender Elijah admits Super Eagles shine brightest when written off
![As featured on NewsNow: Football News](pics/newsnow_ab.gif)
![Hire the right candidates on MyJobMag](https://www.myjobmag.com/images/recruit-ad1.png)
- Football Betting
- African Players
- Australia/ Asia
- Belgian Championship
- Bundesliga
- Danish Football
- English Premier League
- Nigeria National Teams
- Nigeria Premier League
- Norwegian Football
- Polish Football
- Russian Championship
- Serie A
- Spanish Liga
- Swedish Championship
- Transfer
- Turkish Championship
- Ukrainian Football
- Uncategorized
- okvip ing
- Women's Football