Nigeria Super Eagles face injury concerns and player welfare disputes

Nigeria Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has addressed the controversial inclusion of Victor Osimhen in the recent squad despite a muscle injury. Chelle explained that the decision was a calculated risk based on an uncertain medical timeline, noting that the player was included in hopes he would recover in time to join the national team. Ultimately, the Galatasaray forward remained unavailable for selection.

Simultaneously, reports indicate internal dissatisfaction within the Super Eagles squad regarding the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF). Players have reportedly expressed grievances over unpaid bonuses from the AFCON 2027 third-place match against Egypt and unannounced reductions in allowances during recent qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Additional complaints involve poor welfare and logistics, including inadequate travel arrangements and dissatisfaction with pitch quality, which reportedly led to a dressing room protest prior to a match in Guinea-Bissau. The team's recent performance, including a 3-0 defeat to Guinea-Bissau, has highlighted the impact of Osimhen's absence and these internal tensions.