Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will not be involved in the Super Eagles‘ upcoming international friendly matches against Poland and Portugal.
The two attackers had initially been included in Nigeria’s squad for the fixtures, which form part of the team’s preparations for future competitive assignments. However, Chelle said both players had been withdrawn in order to manage their physical condition and accommodate requests linked to their club situations.
Nigeria are due to face Poland in Warsaw on Wednesday before travelling to Leiria to take on Portugal on 10 June. The matches are expected to provide Chelle with another opportunity to assess his squad as he continues work on building a strong national side.
Speaking about the decision, the Super Eagles coach explained that Osimhen’s current circumstances at club level played a major role in his omission from the squad. According to Chelle, the striker is dealing with matters concerning his future and would not be in the best condition to take part in the friendlies.
“We miss two players because Victor Osimhen maybe he is about to change club so I prefer he stays at home because if he plays and is not at 100 percent is not good,” Chelle said.
The coach also revealed that Lookman had been excused from international duty following concerns over his workload and physical condition.
“For Lookman he is very tired and Atletico ask us to excuse him,” he added.
The absence of the two forwards represents a significant change for Nigeria, given their importance to the national team in recent years. Both players were originally expected to feature in the European fixtures after being named in the squad announced two weeks ago.
Despite losing two of his most influential attacking options, Chelle is expected to use the friendlies as an opportunity to evaluate other members of the squad and explore additional attacking combinations.
The matches come shortly after Nigeria’s successful campaign at the Unity Cup in London. The Super Eagles lifted the trophy after securing a convincing 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the final, a result that provided further encouragement for the coaching staff as preparations continue for future competitions.
Chelle has repeatedly emphasised the importance of developing a balanced and competitive team, and the encounters against Poland and Portugal are expected to play a significant role in that process.
With Osimhen and Lookman unavailable, attention is likely to turn to other players within the squad who will now have the chance to impress during the two high-profile friendlies. The fixtures will offer Chelle another opportunity to assess his options as he continues shaping the next phase of the Super Eagles’ development.
While Nigeria will be without two of their most recognisable attacking stars, the coaching staff believes the decision is in the best interests of the players, allowing them to manage fitness concerns and club-related commitments ahead of the new season.
