Nigeria face losing two Super Eagles strikers for AFCON qualifiers

Paul Onuachu’s two-goal return to form for Trabzonspor ended early, raising fresh concerns for Nigeria ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. The striker left the field in the 44th minute of a 5-0 win over Gençlerbirliği after appearing to suffer a muscle injury.

Onuachu had given Trabzonspor control of the match by scoring twice in the opening 22 minutes. He might have completed a first-half hat-trick, but allowed Mohamed Salah to take a penalty won by the Turkish club in the 12th minute. Salah converted before Ernest Muçi and substitute Franculino Djú completed the victory.

Trabzonspor has not confirmed the severity of Onuachu’s injury or said how long he could be unavailable. The 32-year-old is expected to undergo further assessment. His injury comes as Nigeria is already expected to be without Victor Osimhen for about three weeks after Galatasaray confirmed that the 27-year-old suffered a muscle strain.

The situation leaves coach Eric Chelle facing the possibility of losing two experienced attacking options. Onuachu’s aerial ability and physical presence could have offered a different option, while his performance against Gençlerbirliği suggested he was emerging from a difficult spell in front of goal. Chelle is also managing fitness concerns involving Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar, Tochukwu Nnadi and Zaidu Sanusi.

Nigeria can still call on Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Kelechi Iheanacho and Rafiu Durosinmi, all of whom have made positive starts to the season. The Super Eagles are scheduled to open their qualifying campaign against Madagascar on 25 September and then travel to Guinea-Bissau four days later. Tanzania, a co-host of the 2027 tournament, qualifies automatically, increasing the pressure on Nigeria to take maximum points from its opening matches.