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Daily Post reported on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, that Super Eagles manager Éric Chelle is confident Nigeria can cope without Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in their upcoming friendly match against Poland.
The Nigerian coach confirmed that both forwards will be unavailable for Wednesday’s game in Warsaw, increasing the team’s selection concerns ahead of the encounter. Osimhen and Lookman recently played important roles in Nigeria’s 3-0 triumph over Jamaica in the Unity Cup final in London.
Speaking ahead of the match, Chelle stated that the Super Eagles still have enough talent and depth within the squad to compete effectively. Although he mentioned that several lineup decisions had already been finalized, he declined to reveal specific details during the press conference.
Chelle emphasized that Nigeria possess many players capable of taking responsibility in the absence of the injured or unavailable stars. He explained that the coaching staff expects the available players to step up and perform as a unit.
The absence of Osimhen and Lookman is viewed as a considerable setback because of their recent impact on the national team. Even so, Chelle’s remarks reflected confidence in the squad’s alternative attacking options as preparations continue for future international competitions.
The friendly against Poland is part of Nigeria’s broader preparation strategy, giving the technical crew an opportunity to assess the team’s depth, tactical setup, and player partnerships ahead of more important fixtures.
Nigeria will take on Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw as both countries continue preparing for future international engagements, with Chelle hoping to maintain the Super Eagles’ strong form despite the absence of key players.
