Victor Osimhen’s latest injury scare has plunged Nigerian football into renewed uncertainty after the national team crashed out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup race on Sunday night.

DDM gathered that the Nigerian striker suffered a hamstring injury during the playoff clash against DR Congo, an incident that has now placed both his international and club commitments in doubt.

The injury occurred in the first half at the Crown Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco.

Osimhen signaled discomfort midway through the match and was unable to continue as the medical team advised an immediate substitution.

Akor Adams was brought on in his place, but analysts say the tactical balance of the Super Eagles shifted sharply after the Napoli forward left the pitch.

Nigeria eventually drew 1–1 after ninety minutes, prompting a penalty shootout that ended 4–3 in favour of DR Congo.

The defeat marked Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the second consecutive tournament, a development that has fuelled renewed criticism of the team’s management and planning.

Football historians note that Nigeria has not missed back-to-back World Cups since the early 1990s, making this elimination particularly alarming.

The absence of Osimhen, widely regarded as Africa’s leading striker, was seen as a decisive factor in Nigeria’s inability to maintain attacking pressure in the later stages of the match.

Reports from All Nigeria Soccer indicate that Galatasaray, the Turkish champions, are now awaiting his immediate return to Istanbul.

The forward is expected to arrive on Sunday for urgent medical evaluation.

Sports Digitale reports that Galatasaray’s medical team will conduct a thorough examination upon his arrival, given the importance of Osimhen to the club’s domestic and European campaign.

The club has scheduled an MRI scan to determine the severity of the hamstring injury.

Hamstring issues are notoriously unpredictable, with recovery timelines varying widely depending on the grade of muscle damage.

Club doctors will create a detailed rehabilitation plan once the imaging results are confirmed.

If the injury is severe, Osimhen could face several weeks on the sidelines, potentially ruling him out of key fixtures for both club and country.

Sports analysts warn that this incident adds to a growing list of fitness concerns surrounding the forward, who has endured multiple injuries over the past two seasons.

The development has sparked wider national debate about Nigeria’s overdependence on Osimhen and the declining depth in the Super Eagles squad.

Critics argue that the team lacks a reliable backup striker capable of replacing the impact of the African Footballer of the Year.

The NFF is expected to face mounting pressure as Nigerians demand accountability for another failed World Cup campaign.

Osimhen’s scan results will determine the next chapter of a turbulent football week for Nigeria and for Galatasaray, who rely heavily on his goal-scoring power.

Arsenal Football Club is once again at the centre of widespread debate following reports that highly rated teenager Ethan Nwaneri could be sent out on loan during the January transfer window.

DDM gathered that the London club is considering multiple options for the 17-year-old midfielder, who has struggled for regular first-team action despite being the youngest player to debut in Premier League history at just 15 years old.

The situation has triggered fresh scrutiny of Arsenal’s youth development strategy under manager Mikel Arteta.

The midfielder has been part of the senior squad for two seasons but has not started a single league match this campaign.

Observers say this lack of competitive minutes has raised concerns about whether the club can provide the pathway he needs at this critical stage of his growth.

Nwaneri signed a new long-term contract in the summer amid fierce interest from Manchester City and Chelsea.

The new contract was celebrated as a major victory for the club’s academy, which has produced stars such as Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Reiss Nelson.

However, the teenager’s limited involvement this season has reopened fears that Arsenal may unintentionally stall his development.

Sources in England report that the club is now evaluating four potential loan destinations.

Fulham is considered the most convenient option because it keeps the youngster in London and offers him the chance to gain Premier League experience.

The West London club has a history of taking Arsenal academy graduates on loan and giving them significant minutes.

West Ham United is also listed as a possible destination, especially as the club battles relegation and desperately needs creativity in midfield.

A move to the London Stadium would present Nwaneri with the chance to play a decisive role in a top-flight survival fight.

Nottingham Forest is another candidate, with manager Sean Dyche believed to be interested in helping the teenager develop the defensive and physical aspects of his game.

Forest also has several England youth internationals, which could help Nwaneri settle quickly.

For a move outside England, Marseille has emerged as a strong contender.

The French giants have built a reputation for trusting young English players and working with managers who favour progressive, possession-based football.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi is also known for his willingness to develop teenagers into top-level talents.

Analysts say the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Nwaneri’s long-term future at Arsenal.

Fans are divided, with some calling for the youngster to be integrated more aggressively into the squad and others urging a loan move to secure consistent game time.

The January transfer window could therefore shape the next phase of a career long considered one of the most promising in English football.

DR Congo staged a dramatic comeback to defeat Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in the African playoff final for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, securing a spot in the intercontinental playoffs scheduled for March.

The thrilling match, held at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, kicked off at 8 p.m. local time and delivered all the tension expected from such a high-stakes encounter.

Nigeria started brightly, taking an early 1–0 lead through Frank Onyeka in the 3rd minute. However, DR Congo grew into the game and found an equaliser in the 32nd minute, courtesy of Mechak Elia, who capitalised on a defensive lapse.

Both teams pushed hard for a winner, with Nigeria denied twice by excellent goalkeeping and DR Congo coming agonisingly close in the 88th minute when a header rattled the crossbar.

After a goalless extra time, the match headed to penalties. Congolese goalkeeper Timothy Fayulu became the hero of the night, saving two crucial spot-kicks to keep DR Congo’s World Cup hopes alive.

The Congolese players erupted in celebration at the final whistle, knowing they are now one step closer to a historic World Cup qualification.

For Nigeria, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to their campaign, as missed opportunities and key moments slipped through their grasp.

DR Congo will now turn their focus to the intercontinental playoff in March, where a World Cup spot will be on the line.