LIVE UPDATES
Nigeria's head coach, Jose Peseiro, has confirmed that Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze will be absent from the squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe. The dynamic duo sustained injuries during Nigeria's friendly match against the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia last month.
Although Samuel Chukwueze has returned to training, Victor Osimhen is still in the process of recovering from his injury, prompting a cautious approach from the coaching staff.
Peseiro explained the rationale behind the decision not to include Chukwueze and Osimhen, stating, "Samuel Chukwueze and Victor Osimhen will not be called up during the next break; we want to avoid any risks." This precautionary approach reflects the importance of player welfare in international football, as he continued, "I was very sorry for their injuries: the clubs pay the players, and we constantly collaborate with them."
Nigeria's Super Eagles are scheduled to face Lesotho at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Thursday, November 16. Subsequently, they will contest their match against Zimbabwe at the Huye Stadium three days later.
The absence of Osimhen and Chukwueze is undoubtedly a blow to the Nigerian team, given their significant contributions to the squad. However, their recovery and well-being remain paramount as Nigeria pursues its World Cup qualification journey.
