Super Eagles: Chelle calls up Premier League striker to replace Victor Osimhen

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the upcoming international break with the Super Eagles of Nigeria due to injury, and coach Eric Chelle has already called up a replacement, Soccernet.ng reports.

Before coach Chelle's list was announced on Thursday, Osimhen was not expected to be included due to a thigh injury that was supposed to keep him sidelined for three weeks.

But surprisingly, his name was one of the bulging names on the list. However, on Saturday night, the Super Eagles media team announced that Osimhen had not been passed fit by Galatasaray and was consequently ruled out.

Then, this afternoon, they confirmed that Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi would replace him. This is big for Awoniyi, who has been out of the Super Eagles fold for the last two years. In fact, his last time in Nigeria's squad was in October 2024, when they defeated Libya 1-0 in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Coventry City striker, Taiwo Awoniyi replaces Victor Osimhen in Nigeria’s squad for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

Welcome back, Taiwo. 🦅#SoarSuperEagles pic.twitter.com/L5MMPoCpEU

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) September 20, 2026

The major reason for his absence from Nigeria's squad is due to his consistent injury problems, loss of form, and lack of game time at his former club Nottingham Forest.

He has now moved to Nottingham Forest, and he has been playing consistently. He also looks quite healthy, and it appears that his injury problems might now be behind him.

What Taiwo Awoniyi Brings To The Super Eagles

Awoniyi has his own qualities that make him a good addition to the Super Eagles. Just like Osimhen, he is a physically strong player who is very good on the ball and can hold up play very well.

Awoniyi is also very fast and has good positioning in the area. But the problem with him is his recent poor form with Coventry City in the Premier League.

He has failed to score in four games and even got red carded against Brighton last week. His lack of goals for the Seagulls is not for lack of chances. He has had a few good opportunities to score, but he just lacks the jnnate ability that Osimhen to be able to produce something from nothing.

Awoniyi also does not possess the kind of aerial threat that Osimhen has.

Nonetheless, the Coventry City star is used to playing against defenders with a lot of quality in the Premier League. He should be able to do a good job if coach Chelle gives him minutes.