Head coach of the Nigerian national team, Eric Chelle, has officially disclosed that the Super Eagles are managing three significant injury concerns ahead of their final Africa Cup of Nations group stage fixture. Nigeria is set to face the Cranes of Uganda on Tuesday, December 30th, in Fez, Morocco.
Injury Doubts for Key Stars
Speaking at his pre-match press conference on Monday, Chelle confirmed that goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, striker Victor Osimhen, and midfielder Frank Onyeka are all carrying knocks. The manager described the issues as "small pains" but admitted the final decision on their availability will be made after the team's last training session.
"Some players have issues with their knee or ankle, but they want to play. We will see after the last training session," Chelle stated, as reported by Soccernet. While Ademola Lookman also picked up a knock in the previous match, he has declared himself fit. Onyeka, known as "the tank," has similarly expressed his readiness to feature.
Rotation Expected with Knockout Spot Secured
The injury news comes as Nigeria prepares for a match where the pressure is somewhat alleviated. The Super Eagles have already guaranteed their place in the AFCON 2025 knockout stages after winning their first two Group C matches. They defeated Tanzania and Tunisia to sit comfortably at the top of the group with six points.
Nigeria requires at least a draw against Uganda to finish as group winners. Consequently, Chelle is widely expected to rotate his squad, potentially handing playing time to fringe players. Fans have specifically called for minutes for the likes of Ebenezer Akinsanmiro, Ryan Alebiosu, Raphael Onyedika, and Tochukwu Nnadi.
When questioned about the possibility of Onyedika featuring, the coach remained tight-lipped about his selection plans.
Chelle Defends Substitutions Amid Fan Criticism
The Malian tactician also took time to address criticism from some supporters regarding his substitutions in the narrow win over Tunisia. Fans blamed the team's late struggles on the removal of Frank Onyeka from the pitch.
Defending his decisions, Chelle explained, "When I make substitutions, I analyse what is happening in the game. Sometimes the choice works very well, sometimes it doesn’t. That is football. The reality is that we won. The reality is that we scored goals. That is also important."
In a lighter moment, the coach also hailed Victor Osimhen as "the best striker in the world" as the Napoli star celebrated his 27th birthday, wishing him goals that would help Nigeria secure a fourth AFCON title.
The final Group C games will see Nigeria face Uganda in Fez, while Tanzania and Tunisia battle it out simultaneously in Rabat, with the North Africans still having a mathematical chance to top the group.
