AFCON 2027: Chelle Makes Surprise Decision On Osimhen

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Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has caused a stir after naming injured striker Victor Osimhen in his squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, qualifiers.

Osimhen has been sidelined since September 4, when he sustained an injury to his right groin.

The injury had raised concerns over his availability for Nigeria’s matches against Madagascar on September 25 and Guinea-Bissau four days later.

The Galatasaray striker had been expected to make a possible return against Trabzonspor on September 19.

However, as of Thursday, Osimhen was still training away from the main squad, undergoing an individual gym session alongside Mario Lemina.

Both players were considered unlikely to make the trip for the Trabzonspor encounter.

As a result, Osimhen is set to enter Nigeria’s opening AFCON qualifier without having featured in a competitive match since September 4.

Although Chelle has not publicly explained his decision to include the injured forward, the Super Eagles manager appears to be keeping open the possibility of having his preferred striker available at some point during the international window.

Chelle has three other centre-forward options in the squad — Tolu Arokodare, Akor Adams and George Ilenikhena.

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