Nigeria's Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has announced that Taiwo Awoniyi will replace injured striker Victor Osimhen in the squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Awoniyi, a Coventry City striker, was not part of the original 24-man squad announced on September 17. His inclusion comes after Osimhen suffered a muscle strain and is currently undergoing recovery. The Super Eagles will face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in Group L fixtures on September 25 and 29, respectively.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed Osimhen's absence from the qualifiers due to his ongoing recovery from a muscle strain. Despite initial hopes that he would recover in time, Osimhen's absence from Galatasaray's match against Trabzonspor has confirmed his unavailability for the national team's matches. Galatasaray communicated with coach Eric Chelle, informing him that Osimhen would not be ready for the Super Eagles' fixtures.
Awoniyi's return to the Super Eagles squad is a boost to the team, as they prepare to face Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25. The team will then travel to Guinea-Bissau for the second Group L fixture on September 29. The Super Eagles' media unit announced that the team will open camp in Uyo on Monday ahead of the two fixtures.
The Super Eagles technical crew had initially included Osimhen in the squad for the AFCON qualifiers, hoping that he would recover sufficiently to feature in the Turkish Super Lig encounter against Trabzonspor. However, his continued absence from club action has prompted the change in the squad. Awoniyi's inclusion provides an alternative for coach Chelle, as the team prepares for the crucial qualifiers.
Osimhen's injury blow is a significant setback for the Super Eagles, as they aim to secure qualification for the 2027 AFCON. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the tournament. With Awoniyi replacing Osimhen, the Super Eagles will look to make a strong impact in the upcoming matches.
The Super Eagles' camp is set to open in Uyo on Monday, as the team prepares for the back-to-back fixtures against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Coach Chelle will be hoping that the team can secure positive results in the qualifiers, despite the absence of key player Osimhen. Awoniyi's experience and skills will be crucial in filling the void left by Osimhen's injury.
The 2027 AFCON qualifiers are a crucial milestone for the Super Eagles, as they aim to secure a spot in the tournament. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be closely watched by fans and analysts, as they assess the team's chances of advancing to the next stage. With Awoniyi replacing Osimhen, the Super Eagles will look to make a strong statement in the upcoming matches.
Key points
- Taiwo Awoniyi replaces Victor Osimhen in Nigeria's squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
- Osimhen is undergoing recovery from a muscle strain and will miss the upcoming qualifiers.
- The Super Eagles will face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau in Group L fixtures on September 25 and 29, respectively.
