Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will not feature in Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
Nigeria face Poland in Warsaw on June 3 before taking on Portugal in Leiria on June 10 as part of preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Osimhen Withdrawn Over Transfer Situation
Chelle explained that Osimhen has been excused from the squad due to an ongoing club transfer situation, with the coach opting not to disrupt the striker during a crucial stage of his career.
“Victor is dealing with an important situation regarding his future,” Chelle said. “For me, he is the type of player who should either be at 100 percent or not play at all.”
The Napoli striker’s absence is a significant setback for the Super Eagles, given his central role in the team’s attacking structure and his consistent goal-scoring record.
Lookman Granted Rest Period
Ademola Lookman will also miss both fixtures after being granted time off for personal reasons.
Chelle disclosed that the player’s club requested that he be excused from international duty due to physical and mental fatigue accumulated over a demanding season.
Opportunity for Squad Rotation
The double absence is expected to provide opportunities for fringe players to stake a claim as Chelle continues to evaluate his options ahead of future competitive engagements.
The friendlies against Poland and Portugal are only the second-ever meetings between Nigeria and both European nations.
Anthony Nlebem
Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.
