Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that six players will miss Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal due to transfer negotiations, visa complications and fitness concerns.
The announcement follows Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final on Saturday, a triumph that secured the Super Eagles’ fourth title in the competition.
Victor Osimhen is among the notable absentees as the striker remains engaged in transfer discussions after an impressive season with Turkish champions Galatasaray.
Ademola Lookman will also be unavailable for the friendlies for personal reasons.
Millwall winger Femi Azeez, who registered an assist in the Unity Cup final, has been excused from the squad while he finalises club transfer matters.
Midfielders Alhassan Yusuf and Tijani Samson have been ruled out after failing to obtain visas for the two countries, while Ebenezer Akinsanmiro will miss the matches due to illness.
Despite the setbacks, Chelle expressed confidence in the players available, noting that the friendlies will provide a valuable opportunity to assess other members of the squad ahead of future competitions.
“The upcoming matches are friendlies and I will approach every game with seriousness using the players available,” Chelle said.
The encounters against Poland and Portugal form part of Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign.
