Former Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan has publicly questioned Nigeria’s star forward Victor Osimhen’s injury claim, accusing him of faking the injury to avoid playing in the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against South Africa.
Osimhen, 26, was ruled out of Nigeria’s 1-1 draw with the South African team at the Free State Stadium on Tuesday after picking up a leg injury during Nigeria’s 1-0 win over Rwanda the previous weekend. The striker promptly returned to his club, Galatasaray, who confirmed that Osimhen had suffered an ankle ligament injury.
Despite the official confirmation, Gyan cast doubt over the truthfulness of Osimhen’s injury, suggesting it was a tactic used by the player and his club to keep him fresh and available for upcoming club matches, particularly the UEFA Champions League.
“I know these tricks. Someone said to Osimhen, ‘Look, we spent a lot of money on you. The Champions League is coming up. We don’t like you going to Africa but go there and play a bit, then get injured and lie on the ground and act like it’s serious. The next day you’ll be in Türkiye,’” Gyan said in a recent interview with Turkish media outlet Habersarikirmizi.
Victor Osimhen has been Nigeria’s leading striker for several years, playing a key role in the Super Eagles’ qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. His speed, strength, and goal-scoring ability have made him a crucial player for the national team.
However, balancing national team duties and club commitments has been a challenge for Osimhen. His current club, Galatasaray, recently invested heavily in him, and the club’s focus on major European competitions, such as the Champions League, adds pressure to manage his fitness carefully.
Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against South Africa was an important fixture in their campaign to secure a place in the tournament, making Osimhen’s absence notable and disappointing for many fans.
This accusation from Gyan highlights a common debate in football: the clash between club and country priorities. Players often face tough choices when managing injuries, travel, and fitness to perform well for both teams.
