Super Eagles head coach Eric Sekhou Chelle has explained why he opted to omit sensational hitman Victor Osimhen from Nigeria’s ongoing series of international friendly games, stating simply that the striker is currently “not focused at 100%,” Footynaija.com reports.
Osimhen is one of several Nigerian big name players who will be absent when Nigeria squares up against Russia in a friendly match at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow on the 6th of June, having also missed out on featuring in the Unity Cup.
The prolific marksman is set to make a big decision on his future after spending a hugely successful season on loan with Turkish giants Galatasaray. During his loan spell, Osimhen enjoyed immaculate goalscoring form as he notched 37 goals in 41 matches to deliver the Super Lig and Turkish Cup for Galatsaray.
Despite his imminent return to Napoli upon the expiration of his loan deal, Osimhen is widely expected to secure a permanent move away from Naples after burning all bridges with the Partenopei last summer although his next destination is yet to be decided.
Eric Chelle, who recently won his first trophy with the Super Eagles after that Unity Cup triumph, revealed that with the uncertainty surrounding Osimhen’s future, it would have been difficult to demand a hundred percent focus from the striker.
What Eric Chelle said about Victor Osimhen
“Victor is, for me, the best striker in the world,” Chelle told BBC Sport Africa. “For him it is difficult to come for this game because he played a season with a lot of pressure.
“The reality is there is a transfer window. During this time, a player like him is not focused at 100%. I need to protect him physically and mentally, because maybe he will go [and get a transfer move].
“Maybe a club like Manchester United. Or maybe Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid. So he needs to be focused on that.”
The aforementioned clubs have all been touted as a potential next destination for Victor Osimhen but there hasn’t been any concrete move from any of them as things stand.