Eric Chelle makes a radical change to the Nigeria squad for AFCON!

Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle has handed Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi a call-up as cover for Galatasaray frontman Victor Osimhen in Nigeria's squad for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.

• read more: AFCON 2027 (Q): Nigeria confirm Osimhen’s absence against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau

A replacement for the injured Victor Osimhen

Osimhen pulled out of the squad after failing to shake off the muscle injury he picked up during Galatasaray's 3-2 victory over Istanbul Başakşehir.

Since picking up that problem, the former Napoli striker has sat out three matches across all competitions, against Kocaelispor, Sporting Lisbon and Trabzonspor.

Losing him is a significant setback for the Nigerian national team, given the superb start he has made to the campaign in the Super Lig.

The 27-year-old began the season in prolific fashion, finding the net six times and laying on two assists in just four league outings.

In a post on the team's social media account, Awoniyi was unveiled as the replacement for the Galatasaray striker after Osimhen, despite being initially named in the squad, was unable to recover from his injury.

Awoniyi, who linked up with Coventry City during the summer window, will be eager to make an impression on Eric Chelle upon his return to the squad, following a testing beginning to the campaign at club level.

The former Nottingham Forest striker will be determined to catch the Malian coach's eye and rediscover his best form before heading back to club football.

Hazem Mlhem |

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Hazem Mlhem est un rédacteur sportif expérimenté, animé par une passion pour le football africain.

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