Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has provided a fitness update on George Ilenikhena and three other players ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying clash against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.
Nigeria will face the Djurtus in Bissau in their second Group L fixture after opening their qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.
Ilenikhena was among the standout performers in that match, scoring Nigeria’s equaliser on his senior international debut before Moses Usor completed the comeback in the second half.
However, Chelle revealed on Monday that Ilenikhena is carrying a minor issue and will need to be assessed before a decision is made on his involvement against Guinea-Bissau.
The Super Eagles coach also disclosed that two or three other players are feeling unwell, with their availability expected to be determined after the team’s final training session.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s encounter, Chelle said: “We have to manage George. Maybe he has a little something, so we have to manage him. We will see at the last training session. We also have two or three players who are a little sick, so we will see after the training session and before tomorrow.”
The fitness concerns come as Nigeria prepare for another difficult away fixture after Guinea-Bissau also began their qualifying campaign with a victory.
The Djurtus defeated Tanzania 2-0 away from home, putting them at the top of Group L ahead of their meeting with the Super Eagles.
Wale Adejumo
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