Nigeria’s Super Eagles face a significant injury headache ahead of this month’s crucial AFCON 2027 Qualifiers double-header against Tanzania, with star forwards Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze ruled out and midfielder Frank Onyeka a major doubt.
Head coach Eric Chelle must navigate the absences as the team seeks vital points in Group L.
Samuel Chukwueze is confirmed out after undergoing successful hip surgery in London. The AC Milan winger suffered a ruptured tendon of the tensor fasciae latae muscle in his left hip during the club’s 3-2 Serie A win over Atalanta on October 18. Milan confirmed the procedure, performed by Professor Ernest Schilders with club doctor Stefano Mazzoni present, was a complete success.
Chukwueze has returned to Italy to begin rehabilitation, but reports indicate a lengthy recovery that could keep him sidelined into 2027.
The explosive wide player, who had contributed two assists early in the season while adapting to a wing-back role under Ruben Amorim, will miss both fixtures.
Victor Osimhen’s absence is equally damaging. The Galatasaray striker sustained a left knee strain during the club’s 2-0 UEFA Champions League victory over VfB Stuttgart. MRI scans revealed a loose body in the joint, leading the Turkish champions to schedule arthroscopic knee surgery for Saturday, November 7, at Maslak Ac?badem Hospital under club doctor Yener ?nce.
Expected recovery is two to four weeks, ruling him out of the international window. This marks consecutive windows missed for the Super Eagles’ talisman after earlier fitness issues.
Frank Onyeka is also a major doubt. The Coventry City midfielder is dealing with a groin injury that forced him out of a recent Premier League match against Everton.
Estimates place his return around November 21, meaning he may use the international break for recovery rather than join camp.
Onyeka’s energy and defensive work rate have made him a valued option in Chelle’s midfield, and his potential absence adds further strain.
Nigeria host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, November 13, before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return fixture on Tuesday, November 17.
The Super Eagles sit second in Group L with three points from two matches (a 2-1 win over Madagascar and a 3-0 loss to Guinea-Bissau). Guinea-Bissau lead with six points.
Tanzania, already qualified as 2027 co-hosts alongside Kenya and Uganda, have one point and cannot take the group’s sole remaining qualification spot.
Nigeria must maximise points against them to stay competitive for a March decider against the leaders.
The absences will force tactical adjustments. Without Osimhen’s aerial threat, pace and goal-scoring pedigree, Chelle may turn to options such as Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare or Kelechi Iheanacho.
Chukwueze’s dribbling and ability to stretch defences from the flanks will be missed, potentially limiting width and creativity. Onyeka’s possible non-availability weakens midfield steel alongside captains like Wilfred Ndidi.
Chelle has already trimmed a provisional list and is expected to finalise the squad after this weekend’s European club fixtures, once the full fitness picture emerges.
The Nigeria Football Federation is anticipated to announce the official list shortly thereafter, with players due to begin arriving in Uyo from Monday, November 9.
Europe-based stars are likely to link up late after club duties.
These setbacks test the depth of Chelle’s squad at a pivotal stage of the campaign. Strong results against Tanzania remain essential if the Super Eagles are to keep their AFCON 2027 qualification hopes firmly alive.
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