Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle has spoken openly about his frustration at being without two of his most potent attacking weapons as Nigeria prepares to face Poland and Portugal in back-to-back international friendlies this June.

The Franco-Malian tactician confirmed that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, both of whom were originally named in the squad, will play no part in either fixture, dealing a blow to his plans as he continues to shape the team’s identity ahead of future competitive assignments.

Explaining Osimhen’s absence, Chelle said the striker is currently focused on resolving his club future and was not at an optimal level to participate. “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,” the coach said. With negotiations over his next move gathering momentum, Osimhen has opted to remain behind and focus fully on resolving his future rather than split his attention between club and international commitments.

Lookman, meanwhile, has been granted time off following a demanding campaign at club level. “Lookman is very tired, and Atletico Madrid has asked us to release him,” Chelle explained. The winger enjoyed another outstanding season in Europe, helping Atletico reach the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. The double absence strips the Super Eagles of their two most dangerous forwards and leaves Chelle with a considerably lighter attacking unit for what are expected to be stern examinations against quality European opposition.

The problems do not end with Osimhen and Lookman. Fulham winger, Samuel Chukwueze has also been excused from the squad following the recent funeral of his mother in Nigeria, leaving Chelle without another experienced attacking option. Midfielders Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Tijani will also not travel to mainland Europe after they were unable to secure the necessary visas in time. Femi Azeez, who impressed during the Unity Cup, will similarly not feature after his club declined to release him for the remaining international fixtures.

Despite the mounting absentees, Chelle has refused to lower expectations. The Franco-Malian coach insisted the Super Eagles would approach both fixtures with determination and a competitive mindset. “We will go there to fight. If we win, we win. If we lose, we lose,” he said. Nigeria will face Poland in Warsaw on June 3 before travelling to Leiria seven days later for a high-profile clash against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal. The two friendlies come off the back of Nigeria’s successful Unity Cup defence in London, where the Super Eagles defeated Jamaica 3-0 in the final, and will give Chelle a platform to assess the depth of a squad now being asked to step up in the absence of its biggest names.