Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is facing a growing selection headache ahead of Nigeria’s opening 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Madagascar, with fitness concerns surrounding several of his key strikers.
Victor Osimhen is already a major doubt after suffering an injury that has kept him out of Galatasaray’s recent matches. Reports indicate that the forward is expected to remain sidelined for several weeks, making his availability for Nigeria’s opening qualifier uncertain.
Paul Onuachu is another concern for the Nigerian coach. The Trabzonspor striker recently played the full 90 minutes in his side’s goalless draw against Konyaspor, but his absence from training has raised fresh questions about his fitness ahead of the international break.
Onuachu has also endured a difficult start to the Turkish season. He had to wait until Trabzonspor’s fourth league match to score his first goal, before concerns about a minor injury added to the uncertainty surrounding his availability.
Tolu Arokodare has now become another name on Chelle’s injury watchlist. The Ajax forward missed Tuesday’s Eredivisie meeting with Willem II after coach Míchel Sánchez revealed that the Nigerian had been battling a fever. Arokodare remained on the bench for the entire match as Ajax secured a convincing 5 1 victory.
The 25 year old could still recover in time for Ajax’s next league fixture against Excelsior on Saturday, which comes just before the international break. His condition will be closely monitored as Chelle prepares his squad for the qualifiers.
With Osimhen already facing a serious fitness concern and Onuachu and Arokodare also doubtful, Chelle may have to look beyond his usual attacking options. Other forwards are now in contention for greater responsibility, including players who have recently been showing good form at club level.
Nigeria are scheduled to open their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 25. Four days later, the Super Eagles will travel to face Guinea Bissau in their second qualifying fixture.
With the qualifiers fast approaching, Chelle will be hoping that at least some of his attacking options recover in time to give Nigeria the firepower needed for the two important matches.
