Galatasaray forward, Victor Osimhen, reportedly declined a request from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to travel with the Super Eagles for their 2026 World Cup qualifier in South Africa last week.

According to SuperSport presenter Charles Anazodo, the federation had urged Osimhen to accompany the squad to Bloemfontein to provide moral support despite being sidelined by injury.

The striker had sustained an ankle injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in their opening qualifier and flew back to Turkey immediately afterward.

Anazodo revealed on X: “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.”

Osimhen is currently recuperating but is expected to be in contention for Galatasaray’s Champions League clash against Frankfurt this week.