Nigeria’s preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers have suffered another setback after striker Paul Onuachu picked up a muscle injury, with Victor Osimhen already sidelined.
The injury is a fresh concern for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, who is preparing his squad for the start of Nigeria’s qualifying campaign later this month.
Onuachu sustained the injury during Trabzonspor’s 5-0 victory over Gençlerbirliği in the Turkish Süper Lig on Sunday, despite making an explosive start to the match.
The 32-year-old scored twice in the opening 22 minutes, ending a 10-game goal drought and putting Trabzonspor firmly in control.
He could have completed a first-half hat-trick but allowed Mohamed Salah to take a penalty won by Trabzonspor in the 12th minute, with the Egyptian converting from the spot.
Onuachu’s afternoon was cut short in the 44th minute, however, when he was substituted after appearing to suffer a muscle problem.
Trabzonspor went on to complete the rout through Ernest Muçi and substitute Franculino Djú, but the victory was overshadowed by concerns over the Nigerian striker’s condition.
The Turkish club has yet to disclose the severity of Onuachu’s injury or provide a recovery timeline. He is expected to undergo further assessment.
The timing is particularly unfortunate for Nigeria, with Osimhen expected to miss about three weeks after Galatasaray confirmed that he suffered a muscle strain.
Chelle could therefore be without two of his most experienced attacking options when the Super Eagles begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign.
Onuachu’s absence would deprive Nigeria of an experienced target man whose aerial ability and physical presence provide a different option in attack. His two goals against Gençlerbirliği had also suggested he was beginning to rediscover his scoring form.
Chelle is already dealing with other fitness concerns, with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Sadiq Umar, Tochukwu Nnadi and Zaidu Sanusi among the players who have recently suffered injuries.
The coach, however, has alternatives. Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Kelechi Iheanacho and Rafiu Durosinmi have all made encouraging starts to the season and could come into contention if Osimhen and Onuachu are unavailable.
Nigeria will open their qualifying campaign against Madagascar on September 25 before travelling to face Guinea-Bissau four days later.
The Super Eagles are in Group L alongside Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau and Tanzania, with Tanzania already assured of a place at the 2027 tournament as co-hosts.
With qualification places at a premium, Nigeria will be keen to make a strong start and avoid dropping points in their opening fixtures.
For Chelle, the immediate priority will be monitoring the injured players and hoping for favourable medical updates before the qualifiers begin.
The possible absence of both Osimhen and Onuachu would significantly reduce Nigeria’s attacking depth at the start of their campaign for a place at the 2027 AFCON.
