Super Eagles midfielder Michael Babatunde has been ruled out of the 2014 World Cup after suffering a broken arm in the 3-2 loss to Argentina earlier this evening in Porto Alegre.

The Volyn Lutsk midfielder had recovered from a minor injury against Bosnia-Herzegovina to start against Argentina, but had to be taken off in the second half with his arm in a cast after being hit by a fierce Ogenyi Onazi shot.

A scan after the match then revealed the extent of Babatunde’s injury, forcing the decision to end his maiden World Cup appearance early.

The 22 year old had been handed a surprise start against Bosnia-Herzegovina ahead of Ramon Azeez but put in a good performance, prompting coach Stephen Keshi to keep him in the startaing line-up for the mstch against Argentina.

Nigeria finished second behind Argentina in Group F to progress to the knockout stage and will likely face France in a second round match on Monday.