The Super Eagles are heading into the next round of World Cup qualifiers with injury problems that have left head coach Eric Chelle scratching his head, Footynaija.com reports.
The Nigerian camp is already stretched, and fresh concerns have only added to the pressure.
Victor Osimhen, who missed the clash against South Africa earlier this month, has been one of the big names on the treatment table. His absence hurt Nigeria’s attack, but there is some relief for Chelle as the striker has now returned to training with Galatasaray, giving hope he will be fit for the must-win games ahead.
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However, just as Chelle welcomes Osimhen back, another key name has been added to the injury list.
Serie A side Lazio have confirmed that midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru suffered a lesion to his right femoral bicep, an injury picked up during the Rome derby, as confirmed in a report by Daily Post.
The club revealed that the 24-year-old will be out for around a month, ruling him out of Nigeria’s upcoming qualifiers against Benin and Lesotho.
Chelle’s problems do not end there. Defender Ola Aina is also sidelined after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury, which will keep him out until December. Raphael Onyedika has been struggling with a hamstring scare at Club Brugge, while Fisayo Dele-Bashiru’s setback adds to the growing list of midfield worries.
Nigeria’s qualifying campaign has already been shaky, with too many draws leaving them behind South Africa and Benin in the group. These injuries now make Chelle’s job even tougher as he tries to find the right mix of players to keep the World Cup dream alive.
