Super Eagles players during a World Cup qualifier training session
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is facing one of his toughest challenges yet, as injuries, suspensions, and fitness concerns threaten to derail Nigeria’s preparations ahead of their 2026 World Cup playoff clash against Gabon.
With the high-stakes showdown just days away, Chelle is now grappling with a depleted squad that could force tactical reshuffles both in attack and defence.
Nigeria’s frontline has been hit hard.
Terem Moffi (Nice) has been ruled out after sustaining a calf injury in training.
Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos) is also expected to miss the tie due to a lingering ankle injury that has already kept him out of his club’s last six matches.
These absences leave Chelle short of firepower up front, with limited options to partner Victor Osimhen or Taiwo Awoniyi in the attack.
The defensive situation isn’t much better.
Semi Ajayi is suspended due to accumulated yellow cards, while
Igoh Ogbu has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, removing two reliable centre-back options from Chelle’s plans.
Their absence means Nigeria may have to rely on less experienced defenders to cope with Gabon’s aggressive forwards, including the evergreen Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
To make matters worse, Ola Aina remains a major doubt for the playoff. The Nottingham Forest full-back has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, and club reports suggest he may not be match-fit until late December.
Aina’s absence would be a significant blow, as he has been one of Nigeria’s most consistent performers over the last 18 months, balancing defensive solidity with attacking runs down the flank.
Despite the setbacks, Aina has vowed to return stronger, posting on social media:
“I will be back. Stronger than ever.”
With Gabon pushing to qualify for their first-ever World Cup, Chelle must now find creative solutions — possibly calling up fresh faces or tweaking formations — to keep Nigeria’s campaign on track.
The coming days will be crucial as the Super Eagles seek to overcome adversity and maintain their dream of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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