Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has indicated that Nigeria might be missing one or two players when they play Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday, Soccernet.ng reports.
The three-time African champions take on the Djurtus in their second game of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers tomorrow, and a victory is key for them if they want to claim the top spot in Group L.
They already started on a solid note, claiming a 2-1 win against Madagascar in Uyo. But they sit second due to an inferior goal difference compared to Guinea-Bissau, who won 2-0 in Tanzania.
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Recall that only one team will qualify from that group due to the presence of one of the co-hosts, Tanzania. So, the Super Eagles have to stamp their authority early on.
However, the Guinea-Bissau encounter promises to be a tough one, as the hosts hold home advantage and field some decent players who can cause serious problems for the Super Eagles.
Coach Eric Chelle had to enter this set of games without his star man Victor Osimhen, who is struggling with a muscle injury. Nonetheless, two players handed debut call-ups — George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor — scored the goals against Madagascar.
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But ahead of the game against Guinea-Bissau, there is a chance that he will be without one of his key match-winners.
Super Eagles Might Miss Key Attacker
In the pre-match press conference for the game against Guinea-Bissau, coach Chelle indicated that George Ilenikhena is a doubt and will need to be evaluated in their final training session to ascertain his availability.
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”We have to manage George [Ilenikhena]. He has a little something, so we will see in the final training session,” Chelle said in the pre-match conference.
”Apart from him, we have two or three players who are sick. We will see before Tuesday.”
Injury Update Inside The Super Eagles Camp:
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed that George Ilhenikena is doubtful for tomorrow’s game.
Chelle also confirmed that two other players are sick. pic.twitter.com/4tDKfGCFfU
— OgaNlaMedia (@OgaNlaMedia) September 28, 2026
As it stands, the Al-Ittihad forward might have to undergo further checks, and his minutes may need to be managed depending on his condition. If he is unavailable, it will be a blow, as Ilenikhena looked very lively and confident on his debut, even scoring the opening goal for Nigeria.
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On the other hand, this could create an opportunity for Ajax star Tolu Arokodare and Coventry City man Taiwo Awoniyi to prove their worth to coach Chelle.
It now remains to be seen whether the former Monaco forward will be passed fit to play on Tuesday, as it will likely be a matchday decision.
