Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach, Éric Chelle, has confirmed that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will not be available for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
Nigeria will face Poland in Warsaw on Wednesday before travelling to Leiria for a clash with former European champions Portugal on June 10.
Both Osimhen and Lookman were originally named in Chelle’s squad for the two matches, but the Malian tactician disclosed that circumstances beyond the team’s control forced their withdrawal.
Speaking to the Super Eagles media team, Chelle explained that Osimhen is currently focused on resolving his club future, while Lookman has been excused at the request of Atlético Madrid.
“We miss two players because Victor Osimhen maybe he is about to change club so I prefer he stays at home because if he plays and is not at 100 percent is not good,” Chelle said.
“For Lookman he is very tired and Atletico ask us to excuse him.”
The announcement comes just days after Nigeria retained the Unity Cup in style, defeating Jamaica 3-0 in the final at The Valley in London on Saturday night, May 30.
Despite that success, Chelle admitted he still feels the disappointment of Nigeria’s recent failures on the international stage.
The Super Eagles will not feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after falling short in the African play-offs. Nigeria suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat to Congo DR in the final qualifying round.
The three-time African champions also missed out on continental glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, finishing third in the tournament.
Reflecting on those setbacks after the Unity Cup triumph, Chelle apologised to Nigerian supporters and thanked them for standing by the team.
“I want to once again say sorry we didn’t go to the World Cup, this is my feeling, sorry we didn’t win the AFCON, I tried to do my job,” the 48-year-old stated.
“I want to say thank you for all the support that was put in the team and once again I will give everything to this national team.”
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