Chelle Clarifies Osimhen And Lookman’s Absence As Super Eagles Gear Up For Poland And Portugal Friendlies

According to IReporter Online, Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has confirmed that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will miss Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal due to separate circumstances affecting both players.

Nigeria are scheduled to face Poland in Warsaw on Wednesday before travelling to Leiria for a high-profile clash against Portugal on June 10.

Although both players were initially included in Chelle’s squad list, the coach revealed that their withdrawals were necessitated by factors beyond the team’s control. He explained that Osimhen has been allowed to focus on resolving his club future, while Lookman was excused following a request from Atlético Madrid due to fatigue concerns.

“Victor Osimhen maybe he is about to change club so I prefer he stays at home because if he plays and is not at 100 percent is not good,” Chelle said. “For Lookman he is very tired and Atletico ask us to excuse him.”

The Super Eagles head into the friendlies on a positive note after retaining the Unity Cup with a commanding 3-0 victory over Jamaica in London on Saturday, May 30.

Despite the recent success, Chelle admitted lingering disappointment over Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a narrow penalty shoot-out defeat to Congo DR in the African play-offs, as well as the team’s third-place finish at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Reflecting on those setbacks, the coach apologised to Nigerian fans and expressed gratitude for their continued support, promising renewed commitment to the national team going forward.

“I want to once again say sorry we didn’t go to the World Cup… sorry we didn’t win the AFCON, I tried to do my job,” Chelle said. “I want to say thank you for all the support that was put in the team and once again I will give everything to this national team.”