Enugu Rangers left-back Kenneth Igboke has been called up by Super Eagles coach, Finidi George to replace Victor Osimhen, who has been forced out of the two crucial 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic by injury.

It was announced on Tuesday by the official X handle of the team that Osimhen, who featured in Napoli’s last Serie A game of the season on Sunday had picked up a knock which will leave him on the sidelines for four weeks while Igboke was called up to replace the Italy-based defender.

Igboke’s inclusion takes the number of defenders on the list to seven and he also makes the number of Nigeria Premier Football League players in the squad three. Enyimba’s Ojo Olorunleke had been called while Remo Stars defender, Sodiq Ismail was handed his first call-up.

The 23-year-old Igboke has played 20 games for the NPFL leaders this season. scoring two goals plus one assist.

The Eagles are third in the 2026 World Cup qualifying group with two points from two matches and need to win both games in order to get their campaign back on track.