Photos: Super Eagles Babatunde breaks arm after blocking shot from Onazi, ruled out of world cup

Michael Babatunde broke his arm after being hit by a shot from a teammate. Photo: Getty Images

Nigeria midfielder Michael Babatunde appeared to break his hand after being struck by the ball during the Group F clash with Argentina.

Babatunde, 21, was hit by a shot from teammate Ogenyi Onazi during the second half as he tried to move out of the way.

Unlucky break: Michael Babatunde is carried off the field. Photo: AP

The Volyn Lutsk player looked in distress and was soon stretchered off after being given a protective cast for his arm. Michael Uchebo was substituted on in his place.

It is understood the 21-year-old will have surgery on his arm and sidelined for his team’s do or die match against France on Tuesday morning.

“I think he’s got a broken hand and he’s going for surgery right now as we speak,” Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi told Reuters Africa.

“So I’m not sure if he’s still going to participate in this World Cup. But we’ll see how he goes. But it’s not good.”

Babatunde, who plays for Ukrainian team Kryvbas Kryvyi Rih, was a surprise pick for the national team. He was named in the side ahead of Chelsea striker Victor Moses.