Osimhen, Lookman out as Chelle reshapes Super Eagles squad for Poland, Portugal friendlies

Nigeria's Super Eagles face a significant squad reshuffling for their upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal, with head coach Eric Chelle confirming the absence of star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Osimhen, Nigeria's top striker, has been granted permission to prioritize his club future as transfer speculation intensifies. The 27-year-old, a highly sought-after forward, is reportedly in transfer discussions with Turkish champions Galatasaray. His decision to focus on resolving his club future means he will miss the European tour, a considerable blow for Chelle, who has relied on Osimhen's leadership and goal-scoring.

Ademola Lookman will also be unavailable after Atletico Madrid requested his withdrawal from international duty. The winger has had a physically demanding season in European football, and the club wants him to recover and manage his workload ahead of the new season. Lookman's absence further limits Chelle's attacking options.

Adding to the attacking concerns, Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze has been excused from the squad following the recent burial of his mother in Nigeria. The coaching staff agreed to allow him time to mourn with his family. Furthermore, visa complications have ruled out Yusuf and Tijani, leaving Chelle with a depleted squad for the challenging fixtures against European opposition.

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multiple members of the squad would be unavailable for the upcoming fixtures, forcing him to rethink his plans ahead of two challenging tests against European opposition.