Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has explained why Victor Osimhen was not part of Nigeria’s squad for the 3-3 friendly draw against Russia on Tuesday.
Speaking after the entertaining encounter in Nizhny Novgorod, Chelle said Osimhen’s absence was linked to his recovery from injury and not to any disagreement between the striker, Galatasaray or the Nigerian national team.
Chelle revealed that Osimhen picked up the injury around 10 to 15 days before the international break. There was an agreement that the striker would join Nigeria if he recovered in time to play for Galatasaray before the international window.
However, Osimhen was unable to feature for the Turkish club because he had not recovered sufficiently.
The Super Eagles coach also explained why Osimhen was still included in Nigeria’s initial squad despite his injury situation.
According to Chelle, there was a possibility that the forward could recover before the international fixtures, which influenced the decision to keep his name on the initial list.
He stressed that there was no conflict involving the player, Galatasaray and the national team.
Osimhen’s absence was particularly noticeable as Nigeria struggled without several established players in the Russia friendly. Chelle instead used the game to assess a largely changed squad, with several players given opportunities to impress.
The Super Eagles eventually produced a dramatic comeback after falling 3-1 behind. Peter Edokpolor reduced the deficit before Akor Adams scored in stoppage time to secure a 3-3 draw. The result gave Chelle’s experimental squad a positive ending to the international window.
Chelle Clarifies Osimhen Transfer Comments
Chelle also used the post-match interview to clear up comments he had previously made about Osimhen’s future at Galatasaray.
The coach said his earlier remarks about a possible transfer had been misunderstood and insisted that he never claimed the striker wanted to leave the Turkish champions.
Chelle described Osimhen as one of the best strikers in the world and said transfer speculation is normal when a player performs at such a high level.
He also stated that Osimhen is happy at Galatasaray and that the club is satisfied with the Nigerian forward.
The clarification should ease speculation surrounding Osimhen’s relationship with Galatasaray, while the striker continues his recovery from injury.
For now, Chelle’s message is clear: Osimhen’s absence from Nigeria’s latest assignment was a fitness issue, not the result of a dispute with his club or the national team.
