~ Limping 3rd with just 2 points
~ Out on sickbay for a while
~ Another blow as Tella misses
~ #UgSportsNow
The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers have hit a stumbling block for the Nigerian national team as Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the squad due to injury. Osimhen, a key player for the Super Eagles, will not be available for the upcoming matches, adding to the challenge facing new head coach Finidi George.
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Limping 3rd with just 2 points
Nigeria finds themselves in a delicate position in their group, currently sitting in third place with only 2 points. The team’s performances in the previous matches against Lesotho and Zimbabwe resulted in draws, highlighting the need for a strong lineup to secure victories in the upcoming qualifiers.
Out on sickbay for a while
The absence of Osimhen due to his injury, which is expected to sideline him for a month, comes as a significant blow to the Nigerian squad. The talented striker has been instrumental in the team’s attacking prowess and his absence will be keenly felt.
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Another blow as Tella misses
Adding to the woes of the coaching staff, Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella has also been ruled out of the international break for different reasons. Tella’s absence further complicates Finidi George’s task of steering the team towards success in the World Cup qualifiers.
With two key players missing from the squad, the coaching staff faces the challenge of finding suitable replacements and reshaping the team to overcome the obstacles in their path. The pressure is mounting on George as he navigates his first training sessions as the head coach of the Super Eagles.
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“Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen has excused himself from the upcoming WCQ matches due to family reasons. Coach Finidi George has now called up Ibrahim Olawoyin of Caykur Rizespor of Turkey,” a statement from the Super Eagles staff on social media reads.
As a reminder, Nigeria host South Africa on June 6 in Abuja before travelling to Ivory Coast to take on Benin Republic on June 10.
NIGERIA SUMMONED SQUAD
Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)
Defenders:
Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania)
Midfielders:
Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)
Forwards:
Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Victor Osimhen (SSC Napoli, Italy); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
