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Chelle Explains Osimhen, Lookman Absences Ahead of Super Eagles Friendlies Against Poland and Portugal
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that several key players will be unavailable for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, including star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Speaking ahead of the matches, Chelle revealed that Osimhen’s absence is linked to circumstances surrounding the off-season period, while Lookman will miss the games for personal reasons.
“Concerning Victor Osimhen, he is an important player for Nigeria and Galatasaray. This period is off-season when a lot of things happen off the pitch and we must respect certain decisions that are not in our hands,” Chelle said.
The Nigerian tactician also disclosed that reigning African Player of the Year Ademola Lookman would not be available for selection.
“Ademola Lookman won’t be available for personal reasons,” he added.
The list of absentees extends beyond the attacking duo. Chelle confirmed that Femi Azeez, who impressed during the Unity Cup, will not feature after his club declined to release him for the remaining international fixtures.
The coach further explained that midfielders Alhassan Yusuf and Tijani Samson were unable to join the squad due to visa-related issues, while Ebenezer Akinsanmiro has been ruled out through illness.
“Femi Azeez had a decent outing at the Unity Cup, but his club will not release him for the remaining matches. Alhassan Yusuf and Tijani Samson do not have entry visas and Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is not feeling well,” Chelle stated.
Despite the growing injury and availability concerns, the Super Eagles manager insists Nigeria will approach both friendlies with full commitment.
“The upcoming matches are friendlies and I will approach every game with seriousness with the players available,” he said.
The fixtures against Poland and Portugal present another opportunity for Chelle to assess his squad depth and test new combinations as Nigeria continues preparations for future competitive assignments, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
With several established stars absent, the friendlies could offer fringe players and emerging talents a valuable chance to stake their claim for regular places in the national team setup.
Nine people have been killed after gunmen opened fire on a passenger bus at Dungus, Kuru District, Jos South council area.
The police command in Plateau confirmed the attack in a statement by its spokesman, Alfred Alabo, on Monday.
The command said it received a distress report at about 7:45 p.m. on Sunday that terrorists operating on a motorcycle had attacked the bus.
According to the statement, the Toyota bus, with registration number BUU 621 ZL, was conveying passengers to Jos when the gunmen opened fire.
It said seven people were confirmed dead at the scene, while two others who sustained gunshot injuries later died in hospital. The police said the development brought the total number of fatalities from the attack to nine.
The police commissioner, Ayodeji Faniyan, immediately mobilised Mobile Police operatives, tactical teams, homicide detectives and forensic experts to the scene.
(NAN)
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