Super Eagles’ Chelle reveals why Osimhen missed Russia tie

Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has explained Victor Osimhen’s absence from Nigeria’s 3-3 draw with Russia.

The Franco-Malian tactician also addressed the Nigerian striker’s relationship with Galatasaray and defended his previous comments about a possible transfer.

The Super Eagles produced a dramatic comeback at the Sovcombank Arena in Nizhny Novgorod on Tuesday, October 6, recovering from 3-1 down to snatch a point in the fourth minute of added time.

Kelechi Iheanacho put the Super Eagles ahead in the 10th minute before Lechi Sadulaev levelled in the 30th minute. Matvey Kislyak then put Russia ahead in first-half stoppage time, with Aleksei Miranchuk extending the hosts’ advantage nine minutes into the second half.

Peter Edokpolor pulled one back in the 78th minute before Akor Adams completed the comeback in the 94th minute.

Chelle left the stadium pleased with the response from an experimental Nigeria side, but questions over Osimhen, Galatasaray and the striker’s future were never far away.

Super Eagles: Chelle explains why Osimhen missed Russia clash

Osimhen was initially included in Nigeria’s plans for the international window but never travelled to Russia after failing to recover from an injury in time.

Chelle said the decision was based on an agreement between the national team and Galatasaray, rather than a dispute involving the player or his club.

“About 10-15 days before the international break, Victor got injured,” Chelle said, per the Championat. “We agreed that if he recovered and played for Galatasaray before the international break, the club would let him join us. But he couldn’t play in that game because he hadn’t yet recovered.”

The Super Eagles coach added that Osimhen’s name was retained on the initial squad because there was still a possibility that he could recover before the international fixtures.

“We included him on the initial list because at that point we didn’t know whether he would have time to recover. There is no conflict between the player, the club, or the national team.”

The clarification came after Osimhen missed Nigeria’s friendly against Russia, where Chelle handed several young players an opportunity to stake their claim for future Super Eagles selection.

Galatasaray transfer talk cleared up

Chelle also addressed comments he had previously made about Osimhen’s future at Galatasaray, insisting his words had been misunderstood.

The former Mali coach was emphatic about the striker’s standing at the Turkish champions and said there was no suggestion from him that Osimhen wanted to leave Istanbul.

“As for my earlier comments about a possible transfer, they were misinterpreted. Victor likes Galatasaray, and the club is happy with Victor. I consider him one of the best strikers in the world.”

Chelle said the quality of Osimhen’s performances naturally attracts speculation because elite forwards are routinely linked with major moves.

“When a player performs at such a level, there’s always talk of transfers around him. I never said he wanted or should leave the club,” he said, according to the Russian Football Union account of his post-match comments.

Chelle praises Russia after six-goal thriller

Chelle had plenty to say about the contest itself after the Super Eagles escaped with a 3-3 draw.

Russia looked set for victory after Miranchuk’s 54th-minute goal made it 3-1, but Nigeria changed its attacking approach and found a route back into the contest.

“We only saw a little of Nizhny Novgorod, but it didn’t seem old at all. There were even more people there than last time in Moscow. The world is full of lies about what’s happening in Russia, the people here are kind, they walk around smiling.”

Chelle also praised Russia’s quality while acknowledging the unusual competitive circumstances surrounding Valeri Karpin’s team.

“I consider the Russian national team a good and strong team. They’re having a tough time right now because of the suspension, they’re forced to play only friendly matches and only against those who agree.”

Chelle said the Super Eagles controlled the opening stages before Russia seized the initiative, but tactical adjustments helped his side recover.

“We dominated the first half, and the second, of course, was Russia’s. Then they couldn’t find a way to deal with what we offered them. And we secured a draw. I’m happy with my team.”

The result gives Chelle something positive to take from a difficult international window after Nigeria’s 3-0 competitive defeat by Guinea-Bissau in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Chelle handed nine Nigerian youngsters their Super Eagles debut against Russia, including goalscorer Peter Edokpolor.