Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that key forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will miss Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal for different reasons.
Nigeria are scheduled to face Poland in Warsaw on Wednesday before taking on Portugal in Leiria on June 10 as part of their preparation for future competitive fixtures.
Both players were initially included in the squad list released two weeks ago but have now been withdrawn from the matches.
Speaking to Super Eagles media, Chelle explained that Osimhen has been excused to allow him focus on his club future, while Lookman has been rested following a request from his club, Atletico Madrid.
“We miss two players because Victor Osimhen maybe he is about to change club so I prefer he stays at home because if he plays and is not at 100 percent is not good,” the Malian coach said.
“For Lookman, he is very tired and Atletico ask us to excuse him.”
The double absence comes shortly after Nigeria’s successful Unity Cup campaign in London, where the Super Eagles defeated Jamaica 3-0 in the final to lift the trophy.
Chelle will now look to other attacking options in the squad as he continues to build a competitive team ahead of upcoming international assignments.
