Super Eagles: Chelle gets key Paul Onuachu update after injury scare

Paul Onuachu's availability for the Super Eagles' upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers has been in doubt since last week, but things are becoming clearer now, Soccernet.ng reports.

​The 32-year-old suffered an injury in Trabzonspor's 5-0 thrashing of Genclerbirligi last week. He first scored a brace before getting hauled off after 44 minutes due to what seemed like a muscle problem.

​At first, there were fears that he would be sidelined for an extended period. But those fears were later allayed after coach Huseyin Cimsir stated that the injury was not too serious.

​Since then, he had not participated in training at the club. However, he returned to training today.

​The former Southampton star was seen training at Trabzonspor's training ground. In what was a good sign, he was moving well and did not show any sign of discomfort.

🔴 🔵 Trabzonspor, Konyaspor maçı hazırlıklarını sürdürdü.

📸 Paul Onuachu takımla birlikte çalıştı. pic.twitter.com/jKL4rOj5mW

— Skorer (@skorerrcom) September 10, 2026

​However, according to Haber TS, there is a possibility that Onuachu might be rested when Trabzonspor play Konyaspor this weekend. This is because they do not want to risk him suffering any serious injuries before their big clash against Galatasaray next week.

Although the 32-year-old has a great record against Konyaspor, having scored six in four games against them, Galatasaray is a bigger fish to fry. So new signing Dju Franculino will likely lead the line this weekend.

​Why This Is Good News for the Super Eagles

​With Paul Onuachu deemed fit and ready for action, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle can breathe a sigh of relief. Chelle has already lost Victor Osimhen to a thigh injury, and losing Onuachu — who scored a brace in his last game to break a 10-game barren streak — would have been a massive blow.

​Onuachu has been a more consistent fixture in the Nigerian squad since the turn of the year. Since the AFCON earlier this year, he has often been the second-choice striker whenever Osimhen is absent, and his recent brace has calmed fears that he might have lost his cutting edge.

​Onuachu provides physicality, aerial dominance, and clinical finishing to the Super Eagles side, so Chelle could pair him with Akor Adams in Osimhen's absence.

​With his quality, he would definitely be a handful for the Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau defenders.

​Nigeria will open their 2027 AFCON qualifiers with a game against Madagascar on September 25 before locking horns with Guinea-Bissau four days later.