The Super Eagles will be without two of their biggest stars, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, for upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed.
Speaking ahead of the matches, Chelle said Osimhen had been excused from the squad amid uncertainty over his club future.
“Victor Osimhen may have to change clubs, so I prefer that he stays where he is because if you play and you are not at 100 per cent, it is not good,” the coach said.
The Galatasaray striker has been the subject of intense transfer speculation in recent months, with several top European clubs reportedly interested in securing his services.
Nigeria will also be without Ademola Lookman, who has been granted time off following a demanding campaign at club level.
“Lookman is very tired, and Atalanta has asked us to release him,” Chelle explained.
The absence of both forwards deprives the Super Eagles of two of their most influential attacking players. Osimhen has remained a central figure for Nigeria in recent years, while Lookman enjoyed another outstanding season in Europe, helping Atalanta reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League.
Chelle also revealed that the team has faced logistical challenges ahead of the trip, with some players encountering visa-related issues.
Despite the setbacks, the Franco-Malian coach insisted that the Super Eagles would approach the fixtures with determination and a competitive mindset.
“We will go there to fight. If we win, we win. If we lose, we lose. But if we lose, they will have to work for it. They will have to beat us to win those games,” he said.
The coach acknowledged the quality of Nigeria’s opponents, describing Poland as a strong World Cup-bound side and Portugal as one of the best teams in international football.
“Poland is a good team. They are going to the World Cup. Portugal may be the best team in the world. So this is a great challenge for us,” he said.
The friendlies will provide the Super Eagles with an opportunity to measure themselves against top-level opposition as Chelle continues to shape his squad following Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.
“I am sad that we did not go to the World Cup, but maybe this challenge will be something very good for me and for the team,” he added.
