Victor Osimhen: how many World Cup qualifiers have the Galatasaray star played, and how did Nigeria fare without him?

Victor Osimhen has been Nigeria’s biggest attacking threat in recent years, but injury kept him out of the Super Eagles’ first four matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Footynaija.com reports.

Without him, Nigeria struggled, failing to win a single game. The team managed just two draws and suffered two defeats, leaving them in a dangerous position in Group C.

Now, Osimhen has returned to the squad for the upcoming matches against Rwanda and Zimbabwe, and the pressure is on for him to make a difference.

How many qualifiers has Osimhen played so far?

The Galatasaray striker has yet to feature in the qualifiers due to injury. While Nigeria battled through four matches, Osimhen was sidelined, watching from afar as the Super Eagles failed to get going. In his absence, Nigeria could not secure a win, raising concerns about their ability to compete at the highest level.

Osimhen has, however, been in top form at club level. Since joining Galatasaray on loan from Napoli, he has scored an impressive 26 goals and provided five assists in 30 appearances.

His performances have made him a fan favourite, with Galatasaray supporters even launching a campaign to fund a permanent transfer for him. However, a move to England remains a possibility, as Manchester United has been scouting him, though his high wages and Champions League ambitions could influence any decision.

How did Nigeria perform without Osimhen?

The Super Eagles have had a nightmare start to the qualifiers. In four matches, they have picked up only three points, drawing twice and losing twice.

Here’s how the results look so far:

• 1-1 draw vs Zimbabwe

• 0-0 draw vs Lesotho

• 1-2 loss vs Benin

• 1-1 draw vs South Africa

These results leave Nigeria fifth in Group C, far from where they need to be. Without Osimhen, the team has struggled to convert chances, and their defensive lapses have cost them crucial points.

The loss to Benin was particularly damaging, as it came against a team Nigeria was expected to beat. The defeat against South Africa further exposed the team’s weaknesses, raising serious concerns about their World Cup hopes.

Can Osimhen turn things around?

With Nigeria’s qualification hopes hanging by a thread, Osimhen’s return could not have come at a better time. He has been named in the squad for the upcoming matches against Rwanda on March 19 and Zimbabwe afterward, and fans are hoping he will provide the spark the team desperately needs.

There is no doubt that he can score goals, and if he can bring his Galatasaray form to the Super Eagles, Nigeria might still have a chance to recover.

But the team’s problems go beyond just scoring goals. The defence has looked shaky, and the midfield has lacked creativity. Osimhen’s presence will be a boost, but he alone cannot fix everything.

Osimhen’s return could be the boost Nigeria needs to turn things around in the qualifiers. He has been the team’s most reliable goal scorer in recent years, and his presence would give the squad much-needed firepower.

The next few games will be decisive. If Nigeria fails to get maximum points, their chances of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup will take a serious hit. Osimhen is back, but will that be enough to save Nigeria’s campaign? Time will tell.