Nathan Tella, Victor Osimhen out of World Cup qualifiers: Finidi eyes two more changes for SA and Benin clashes

New head coach of the Super Eagles, Finidi George, faces a dilemma ahead of his troops’ crucial clash against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and Benin Republic, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Nigerian national team is plagued with injury setbacks with Super Eagles talisman, Victor Osimhen, recently joining a long list of key players like Simon Moses, Zaidu Sanusi, Bruno Onyemaechi, and a host of others.

Nathan Tella, made an early exit from the Super Eagles squad list as a result of family issues which further adds to the team’s concerns ahead of the clashes.

Finidi Faces Injury Dilemma

Former Nigerian International, Finidi, is facing a fitness dilemma ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Southern Africans and the Cheetahs of Benin.

AC Milan forward Samuel Chukwueze, who has been sidelined with an injury for three weeks, has earlier been included in the squad list for the crucial clash. However, with less than ten days remaining and no return to training yet, his participation seems doubtful.

Similarly, Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, also recovering from an injury, was also included in the 23-man list. Despite his assurances of quick recovery, there is a possibility he might miss the matches, depending on his recovery progress before the first game on June 7.

According to a report by OGN, if the Super Eagles boss does not receive confirmation of Chukwueze and Onyeka’s availability by Saturday, their spots will be filled by players from the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).

Finidi’s Debut As Super Eagles Head Coach

Finidi’s debut match as head coach is compounded by these injury setbacks, especially with Hugo Broos naming a formidable squad for the Super Eagles’ upcoming fixtures.

The pressure is on for a must-win encounter against South Africa, slated for June 7th at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. The match against Benin, while a chance for revenge under Gernot Rohr’s guidance has been dented by an injury, it also remains crucial for the Super Eagles’ World Cup aspirations.

As Finidi steers these challenges, securing victories against South Africa and Benin is crucial to keep Nigeria’s World Cup dreams alive