Osimhen's replacement: Eric Chelle makes late change to Super Eagles squad for Afconq

Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has extended an invitation to Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi as a replacement for Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Osimhen withdrew from the squad after failing to recover from the muscle injury he sustained during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over Istanbul Başakşehir.

Since sustaining the injury, the former Napoli striker has missed three matches across all competitions against Kocaelispor, Sporting Lisbon and Trabzonspor.

His omission will be a huge loss for the Nigerian national team following his brilliant start to the campaign in the Super Lig.

The 27-year-old has started the campaign on an impressive scoring run, netting six goals and providing two assists in four league appearances.

In a post on the team’s social media account, Awoniyi was announced as the replacement for the Galatasaray striker after Osimhen failed to recover from his injury despite initially being named in the squad.

Awoniyi, who joined Coventry City in the summer window, will be keen to showcase himself to Eric Chelle on his return to the squad after a tough start to the campaign at club level.

The former Nottingham Forest striker will be keen to impress the Malian tactician and rediscover his best form before returning to club football.

Adeyemi Adewale

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