Chelle confirms Osimhen, Lookman out as Super Eagles reshape squad for Poland, Portugal friendlies
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle confirmed major squad changes ahead of June friendlies against Poland and Portugal, with Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Alhassan Yusuf, and Samson Tijani all unavailable. Osimhen focuses on transfer talks with Galatasaray, Lookman rests per Atletico Madrid's request, Chukwueze mourns his mother's burial, while Yusuf and Tijani face Schengen visa complications despite Unity Cup eligibility.
Chelle has responded by handing Millwall's Femi Azeez a call-up after his Unity Cup heroics—scoring both goals in Nigeria's semi-final win over Zimbabwe—and will rely more on experienced players Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, and Akor Adams. The squad retains optimism following their 3-0 Unity Cup final victory over Jamaica in London, which Chelle sees as positive momentum heading into these European tests.
The Super Eagles face Poland on June 3 at Warsaw's PGE Narodowy Stadium, then travel to Portugal for a June 10 friendly at Leiria's Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa. While the absentees weaken Chelle's options, the fixtures offer crucial opportunities to assess squad depth and build cohesion ahead of future competitive assignments, allowing fringe players to stake claims for regular national team spots.