Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has replaced top striker Victor Osimhen due to injury. The Super Eagles’ first-choice striker, who has six goals and two assists this season, was surprisingly included in Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad despite missing three games for Galatasaray.
However, the manager has changed his mind after confirming Osimhen won’t be fully fit for both clashes. The Galatasaray forward has been sidelined since suffering a right adductor strain in a league game against Istanbul Basaksehir in early September.
From Positive NG Vibes
Never Miss a Story
Join our newsletter for the latest Nigerian sports news, delivered weekly.
Subscribe Free
His absence from Saturday’s clash with Trabzonspor confirmed that his recovery was taking longer than expected.
Confirming the latest development, the Super Eagles’ official X handle posted that the center-forward was left out of the team to focus on his recovery from a muscle strain.
“Victor Osimhen will miss Nigeria’s AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau as he continues to recover from a muscle strain.”
Following the striker’s withdrawal, the manager handed a recall to Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi as Osimhen’s replacement. Disclosing Awoniyi’s late invitation, the Super Eagles’ official X handle wrote:
“Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi replaces Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Welcome back, Taiwo.”
Awoniyi, 29, who has been out of the Super Eagles team since October 2023, is expected to team up with the rest of the squad and help Nigeria record a winning start to the AFCON qualifying series.
The 10-cap forward last scored for Nigeria in a 6-0 win over São Tomé and Príncipe in September 2023.
Nigeria will host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
