Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has revealed that Victor Osimhen was not named in the squads for the Unity Cup and the Russia friendly as he needs time to sort out his future, Soccernet.ng reports.
Osimhen has been the main outlet for Nigeria in recent years, as he holds a sound record of 26 goals in 41 games.
However, despite a great campaign with Galatasaray, his name was conspicuously missing from the 26-man roster for the just-concluded Unity Cup and the 21-man squad for the international friendly game against Russia at the Luzhniki Stadium on Friday.
While Osimhen’s exclusion from the Unity Cup is understandable, as he was still on club duty during the tournament he would have been good to go for the game against Russia on June 6.
However, coach Chelle has revealed that he excused Osimhen due to his complicated transfer situation.
“Victor (Osimhen) 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.”
Update on Victor Osimhen’s transfer situation
Victor Osimhen spent last season on loan at Turkish Super Lig Galatasaray after coach Antonio Conte excluded him from his plans for the season.
The Super Eagles star shone like a million stars in the just-concluded campaign, as he contributed 37 goals and 8 assists in 41 appearances across all competitions.
Now, what was supposed to be for just one season may drag further, as Galatasaray are trying to convince Osimhen to stay. The Turkish champions are willing to pay Napoli’s €70 million and increase Osimhen’s pay to make the deal happen.
But the former Lille man’s mind has always been set on making a big move to a top club in one of the top five leagues.
There is also the temptation of joining Al Hilal to get his piece of Saudi Arabia’s big bucks. Hence, Osimhen is torn.
The Super Eagles star has to make the right decision this summer, as it would either make or mar him.