Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has lamented the absences of Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and four other players ahead of this month’s friendly matches against Portugal and Poland, The PUNCH reports.
Chelle revealed that Osimhen, Lookman, Alhassan Yusuf, Samson Tijani, Ebenezer Akinsanmiro and newcomer Femi Azeez will not be part of the two matches after leading Nigeria to a second consecutive Unity Cup title in London on Saturday.
US-based midfielder Yusuf scored twice, while Terem Moffi also got on the scoresheet as Nigeria beat Jamaica 3-0 at The Valley to claim their fourth title at the invitational tournament.
“Now we have two games against Poland and Portugal and I have lots of problems because some players don’t have visas: Tijani, Yusuf and we will miss them. We will travel with 18 players and see what happens with Poland and Portugal,” Chelle said in his post-match interview on Saturday.
While he revealed that Lookman had been excused from the squad for personal reasons, he also suggested Osimhen’s absence was linked to developments surrounding the striker’s future. However, that position was later clarified in a statement shared by Super Eagles Media Officer Promise Efoghe and attributed to the coach.
“Concerning Victor Osimhen, he is an important player for Nigeria and Galatasaray. This period is the off-season when a lot of things happen off the pitch and we must respect certain decisions that are not in our hands,” the statement read.
“Ademola Lookman won’t be available for personal reasons; Femi Azeez had a decent outing at the Unity Cup, but his club will not release him for the remaining matches. Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Tijani do not have entry visas, while Ebenezer Akinsanmiro is unwell. The upcoming matches are friendlies and I will approach every game with seriousness using the players available.”
Meanwhile, the player has also cleared the air on his future with the club after Chelle’s initial statement.
“I just got off the phone with Coach Eric Chelle regarding the comments about me in his recent interview,” Osimhen wrote.
“Unfortunately, his words have been taken out of context and blown out of proportion. He has great respect for Galatasaray, follows most of our games and never intended to create any controversy.
“I appreciate the conversation, the opportunity to always represent my country, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.
“He is a great coach whom I respect a lot, and I kindly ask everyone to disregard the speculation surrounding this matter. Thank you for your consistent support.”
The Super Eagles will face Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on June 3 before travelling to Portugal to take on the hosts at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on June 10.
Portugal will use the fixture as a dress rehearsal for the World Cup while Nigeria will continue building under Chelle ahead of future competitive assignments.
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