In the build-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, drama unfolded in the Super Eagles camp as star striker Victor Osimhen reportedly turned down the request of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to travel with the team to South Africa.

According to reports, the Napoli forward, who has been at the center of several controversies with the NFF in recent times, opted against joining the squad for the crucial clash, despite appeals from top officials. His decision has fueled mixed reactions among fans and pundits, with many questioning the relationship between the player and the football authorities.

The Super Eagles are set to face a tough battle in South Africa, and Osimhen’s absence is expected to be felt. While some argue that the player has the right to prioritize his personal and club commitments, others insist that representing the nation in such a vital qualifier should always come first.

This latest development has once again highlighted the lingering issues of player-management relations in Nigerian football. The outcome of the South Africa match may further shape the conversation on how the NFF handles its top talents ahead of the World Cup.