AC Milan’s Samuel Chukwueze may not boast a hundred percent fitness level when Nigeria trade tackles with South Africa and the Benin Republic in a fortnight, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles face two must-win 2026 World Cup qualifying games against the Bafana Bafana and the Cheetahs in the first ten days in June.
In preparation for the games, head coach Finidi George invited 23 Super Eagles stars, with Samuel Chukuweze included in an eight-man attacking shortlist.
Napoli striker and reigning Africa Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen has already been forced to withdraw from the qualifiers due to an injury that could keep him out of action for four weeks.
Nigeria could be hit with another massive blow, with growing concerns about Chukwueze’s fitness.
The Super Eagles winger has not been in competitive action for a while, with his last game for AC Milan coming in their 5-1 win over Cagliari on May 11. Chukwueze reportedly sustained a muscle injury in that encounter.
Subsequently, Chukwueze missed Milan’s last two Serie A matches against Torino and Salernitana and even more worryingly, he was left out of the team’s tour to Australia this week.
AC Milan took 23 players on the Australian tour, where the team is expected to play a friendly match against AS Roma at the Optus Stadium in Perth on 31st May 2024.
The Milanese club will be handled by stand-in coach Daniele Bonera following the sacking of Stefano Pioli.
However, Chukwueze’s exclusion from the Australia trip has raised concerns about his availability for the Super Eagles upcoming games.
The former Villarreal winger, who was part of Nigeria’s silver-winning squad at the 2023 AFCON, is a key player for the Super Eagles.
His absence would be a significant blow to Nigeria’s chances of securing a crucial wins against South Africa and the Benin Republic.
Nigeria lock horns with the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on June 7 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, before clashing with Benin three days later.
This post was last modified on May 30, 2024 7:56 am