Nigeria's Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has made a crucial squad change ahead of the team's 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, as well as an international friendly against Russia. Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi has been called up to replace Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out due to injury. The change was confirmed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on its official social media account.
Osimhen, who was expected to lead the Super Eagles' attack in the upcoming games, suffered a muscle strain during Galatasaray's 3-2 victory over Istanbul Basaksehir on September 4. Medical examinations revealed a moderate-to-severe strain with bleeding in his right adductor muscle group, forcing him to miss several of his team's subsequent matches. As a result, his recovery has been slower than anticipated, and he will not be available for Nigeria's upcoming AFCON qualifiers.
Awoniyi, 29, currently plays for Coventry City, having reportedly joined from Nottingham Forest in a £9 million deal. The NFF welcomed Awoniyi back to the squad with a post on its official social media account, expressing excitement about his inclusion. Awoniyi will join other strikers in the squad, including Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams, and George Ilenikhena, as the team prepares for the qualifiers.
Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before traveling to Guinea-Bissau four days later. The Super Eagles are looking to secure a spot in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, and the upcoming qualifiers are crucial for their chances. With Awoniyi's inclusion, coach Eric Chelle will have a different attacking option to consider for the matches.
The injury to Osimhen is a significant blow to the Super Eagles, as he has been an important player for the team. His absence will be felt, but the inclusion of Awoniyi provides a boost to the squad's attacking options. Awoniyi's experience and skills will be valuable assets for the team as they aim to achieve a positive result in the qualifiers.
Galatasaray had informed coach Eric Chelle that Osimhen would not be ready in time for Nigeria's upcoming AFCON qualifiers, leading to the decision to call up Awoniyi. The NFF's confirmation of Awoniyi's inclusion ensures that the team has a suitable replacement for Osimhen, and the squad is now set to face Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles will face a tough challenge in the upcoming qualifiers, but with Awoniyi on board, they will look to secure a positive result and take a step closer to qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The team's performance in the qualifiers will be crucial in determining their chances of advancing to the tournament.
Key points
- Taiwo Awoniyi replaces injured Victor Osimhen in Nigeria's squad for AFCON qualifiers.
- Osimhen's injury is a moderate-to-severe muscle strain with bleeding in his right adductor muscle group.
- Nigeria will host Madagascar in Uyo on September 25 before traveling to Guinea-Bissau four days later.
