‘He May Change Clubs’ – Chelle Explains Osimhen Decision

‘He May Change Clubs’ – Chelle Explains Osimhen Decision

By Admin 

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has intensified speculation surrounding Victor Osimhen’s future after revealing that the striker was omitted from Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal due to uncertainty over his club situation.

Osimhen, who recently enjoyed a successful spell with Turkish champions Galatasaray, has been heavily linked with a high-profile transfer this summer. Reports across Europe have connected the Nigerian forward with several elite clubs, including Real Madrid, Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Speaking at the Unity Cup media briefing, Chelle explained that the decision to leave Osimhen out of the squad was taken to allow the striker focus on resolving his club future rather than splitting attention between transfer negotiations and international duty.

“Osimhen may change clubs, so I prefer he stays out,” Chelle said. 

“When you are not 100 per cent focused on the national team, it is not good.”

The coach’s comments have further fuelled expectations that the 26-year-old could be on the move during the summer transfer window.

Osimhen is among several key players unavailable for the friendlies, but Chelle remains confident in the ability of his squad to compete against two strong European opponents.

“We are going there to fight,” the Franco-Malian tactician said.

“If we win, we win. If we lose, we lose. But they will have to beat us to win these games.”

Chelle also admitted that Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup remains a source of disappointment for him, adding extra motivation for the upcoming fixtures.

“I want to beat them in their own country because I am sad we are not going to the World Cup. Achieving that would be something good for me,” he said.

The Super Eagles are expected to use the friendlies against Poland and Portugal as part of their preparations for future international competitions and the next phase of their rebuilding process under Chelle.

The three times African champions will face Poland on 3rd June and trade tackles with Portugal on 10th June.