Three Super Eagles players who were in Eric Chelle’s squad for the September International break are currently nursing injuries, Soccernet.ng reports.
While Victor Osimhen is still in recovery following an ankle injury in Nigeria’s 1-0 win over South Africa, Lazio’s Dele-Bashiru and Nottingham Forest’s Ola Aina are out of contention for the October International break.
Dele-Bashiru sustained a lesion to the femoral bicep in his right leg, and is expected to be out for at least a month. Aina, on the other hand, had his hamstring operated upon and is out until December.
However, that is not all. Club Brugge midfielder, Raphael Onyedika, has suffered a scare as he was forced off in his side’s 5-5 draw against Westerlo.
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Hamstring scare for Onyedika
The 24-year-old has played in every game for Nicky Hayen’s side this season, and is an integral part of the Club Brugge squad.
Onyedika has also been in good form of late, finding the back of the net in Club Brugge’s 4-1 win over AS Monaco in the UEFA Champions League.
In a high-scoring game, Brugge’s coach Nicky Hayen looked back with mixed feelings as two of his players, Raphael Onyedika and Brandon Mechele had to be substituted early.
The Nigerian midfielder left the pitch after just fifteen minutes, clutching his hamstring.
“We’ll see how bad it is in the coming days. Hopefully, it’s not too bad, because they’re two players who bring stability and defensive balance,” the 45-year-old said in quotes revealed by Voetbal news.
Super Eagles headache selection for Eric Chelle
With the return date for Onyedika currently unknown, Eric Chelle’s midfield options have grown thin. Wilfred Ndidi is only just returning from a thigh injury while Dele-Bashiru will be absent.
In attack, the Franco-Malian coach might have to go with Tolu Arokodare, Cyriel Dessers and call a new name into the fold, probably Kelechi Iheanacho who has been in fine form for Celtic of late.
The only positive so far regarding injuries for the Super Eagles is that Hull City’s Semi Ajayi is close to full fitness.
For Club Brugge, a long-term injury to Onyedika would be detrimental as they have crucial fixtures coming up in the coming weeks.
Over the next month, Nicky Hayen’s side will play against Atalanta, Union Saint Gilloise, Bayern Munich and Royal Antwerp.