Iheanacho, Okoye left out of Super Eagles squad as Osimhen injury compounds Nigeria’s problems
Kelechi Iheanacho and Maduka Okoye have been overlooked for Nigeria’s Tanzania double-header, adding to the Super Eagles’ problems following Victor Osimhen’s knee injury.
Kelechi Iheanacho’s impressive scoring form in Turkey has not been enough to earn him a place in Nigeria’s squad for the November international fixtures, while goalkeeper Maduka Okoye has also been overlooked for the double-header against Tanzania.
Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle has left Iheanacho out despite the Bursaspor forward recording 17 goals and four assists in 14 appearances this season.
The 30-year-old has been one of Nigeria’s most prolific attackers in Europe, making his omission particularly surprising. Kelechi Iheanacho also found the net in his only start for the Super Eagles during the October international break, scoring against Russia in the 3-3 friendly draw.
His absence means Eric Chelle will instead rely on Tolu Arokodare, Taiwo Awoniyi and Akor Adams among his available centre-forward options.
Goalkeeper Okoye is another notable absentee, with the Udinese shot-stopper missing out despite previously featuring in Chelle’s selections. His exclusion leaves Stanley Nwabali and Arthur Okonkwo among the recognised goalkeeping options.
The omissions come alongside another significant setback, with striker Victor Osimhen ruled out after sustaining a left-knee injury during Galatasaray’s win over VfB Stuttgart in the Champions League.
The Turkish club has scheduled arthroscopic surgery for the striker, with no definitive return date announced.
Osimhen’s absence further weakens Nigeria’s attacking options, particularly after he also missed the September international window through injury.
Former Manchester City forward Iheanacho, returned to scoring form against Antalyaspor on Friday, taking his league tally to 17 goals, and his omission is a strong indication that Chelle would love to instead trust the new generation.
In a break of no room for errors, Nigeria will host Tanzania at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return encounter on November 17.
With Osimhen and Iheanacho unavailable, Eric Chelle faces an important test of his attacking options as the Super Eagles look to secure positive results from both encounters in the attempt to rescue a fleeting hope of teaching the next continental showpiece.
