Shock Omission: Osimhen and Lookman Left Out as Super Eagles Prepare for Ghana, Russia

 

The Super Eagles have unveiled a surprising squad list for their upcoming fixtures, with head coach Eric Chelle making bold decisions that see star forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman omitted from the team set to face Ghana in the Unity Cup.

The announcement, made public on Wednesday afternoon by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), revealed a notable shake-up in the national team lineup ahead of the high-stakes encounter against regional rivals Ghana, as well as the friendly against Russia.

Osimhen, widely regarded as Nigeria’s top attacking asset and a talismanic presence in the squad, will not feature in the forthcoming matches. Similarly, Lookman, who has enjoyed a stellar season in Europe and was expected to play a pivotal role, has also been left out of the squad. The reasons for their exclusion remain unclear, but their absence will undoubtedly raise eyebrows among fans and analysts alike.

Despite the high-profile omissions, the squad sees the return of several experienced players. Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye is back in contention after a period away from the national setup. The shot-stopper’s inclusion is expected to bolster Nigeria’s options between the posts and offer renewed competition for the starting spot.

Midfielder Frank Onyeka also earns a recall, bringing steel and balance to the middle of the park. His combative style and tactical awareness could prove crucial in breaking down a physically robust Ghanaian side. Kelechi Iheanacho, another returnee, adds a creative spark and attacking depth, capable of influencing games with his intelligence and technical finesse.

Team captain Ahmed Musa headlines the list of veterans making a comeback. Although his role on the pitch has become less prominent in recent times, Musa’s leadership and experience remain invaluable assets, particularly in emotionally charged fixtures such as the Unity Cup showdown.

Eric Chelle’s decision-making will likely come under scrutiny, especially given Osimhen and Lookman’s importance to the team in recent competitions. The upcoming matches offer him an opportunity to test new combinations and assess the squad’s depth ahead of more competitive engagements.

For the Unity Cup clash against Ghana, a fixture steeped in football rivalry and national pride, the revamped squad will need to step up and prove its mettle. The game against Russia provides another platform for evaluation, experimentation, and building cohesion within the group.

The changes mark a fresh chapter under Chelle’s leadership, signaling his intent to mix experience with emerging talent while making tough calls along the way. How the new-look Super Eagles will fare remains to be seen, but the coach’s bold approach has already set the stage for intrigue and high expectations.