Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has played down the impact of several key players missing Nigeria’s squad ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, insisting the team is ready for a difficult battle against Madagascar.
Chelle confirmed that Victor Osimhen, Alhassan Yusuf and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru are among the players unavailable due to injuries, but said their absence would not derail Nigeria’s preparations.
“We have a lot of injured players. Victor Osimhen, Alhassan Yusuf, Dele-Bashiru, but it’s not a problem for us. We are ready,” Chelle said.
The Franco-Malian coach, however, warned his players against underestimating Madagascar, describing the opponents as a strong side capable of making life difficult for the Super Eagles.
“It’ll be difficult because Madagascar is a big team,” he said.
Chelle also pointed to Madagascar’s previous success against Nigeria as a warning ahead of the encounter.
“It’ll be a fight, they defeated Nigeria in 2019,” he added.
Madagascar famously stunned Nigeria at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt, defeating the Super Eagles 2-0 in the group stage to finish top of the group.
With several established names unavailable, Chelle is expected to rely on the depth of his squad as Nigeria begins another campaign aimed at securing qualification for the continental showpiece.
The Super Eagles will need to maintain focus and intensity, with Chelle making it clear that Madagascar’s past victory over Nigeria remains a reminder that the qualifier cannot be taken for granted.
