Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle could be forced into several changes for Nigeria’s September Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, with at least six players currently sidelined through injury, NigeriaSoccernet.com reports.
The injury setbacks have come at an important stage of the new club season, leaving Chelle with selection concerns ahead of the Super Eagles’ upcoming international assignments.
Among the most serious cases is Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after undergoing successful surgery on a major knee injury.
Uche sustained the injury during a pre-season friendly against Monaco on August 6 following a tackle from Christian Mawissa. The 23-year-old suffered multiple ligament and meniscus tears in his right knee and was stretchered off the pitch.
The setback is a major blow for Uche, who was looking to revive his fortunes at Getafe following a difficult loan spell at Crystal Palace last season. He made 22 appearances for the Premier League club but accumulated only 477 minutes before Palace opted against making his move permanent.
Uche’s lengthy recovery means he will miss Nigeria’s September qualifiers and could also be unavailable for the AFCON finals if the Super Eagles secure qualification.
The midfielder has since thanked his surgeon and the Getafe medical team for their support, while expressing confidence in his recovery.
Sadiq Injury Raises Fresh Concerns
Valencia striker Sadiq Umar has also become a doubt for Nigeria’s September fixtures after suffering a hamstring injury in his right leg.
The 29-year-old picked up the problem after scoring in Valencia’s 3-1 victory over Deportivo de La Coruña last weekend. Sadiq started the game and completed the full 90 minutes, strengthening his case for a more prominent role in attack.
He subsequently reported for training with a limp before undergoing further assessment from Valencia’s medical team, who confirmed the hamstring injury.
The Spanish club has placed Sadiq on a customised treatment and rehabilitation programme but has yet to announce a definite recovery timeline.
His availability for the Super Eagles’ September qualifiers therefore remains uncertain.
Dele-Bashiru Suffers Thigh Injury
Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has suffered another setback after sustaining a tear in his right thigh during the club’s 1-0 Serie A victory over Bologna.
The 25-year-old was substituted in the 54th minute, with Davide Frattesi taking his place and scoring the winning goal five minutes later.
Dele-Bashiru had been making progress in Lazio’s first-team plans after impressing during pre-season and earning the confidence of coach Gennaro Gattuso.
He is expected to spend at least three weeks on the sidelines and could miss matches against Genoa, Udinese, AC Milan and possibly Venezia.
His involvement in Nigeria’s September fixtures is also now in doubt.
Sanusi Ruled Out for Two Months
Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi is facing around two months on the sidelines after suffering an adductor injury during the club’s 3-0 victory over Académico de Viseu.
Sanusi was forced off after just 17 minutes, with Martim Fernandes introduced as his replacement.
The 29-year-old had featured for every minute of Porto’s league campaign before the injury, making the setback a significant concern for coach Francesco Farioli.
Farioli described the injury as “something very serious” immediately after the match.
Sanusi’s expected absence will rule him out of Nigeria’s September qualifiers and leaves Chelle with another defensive headache.
Nnadi Faces Battle to Regain Momentum
Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi has also picked up a knee injury during his team’s 2-0 defeat to Monaco.
The 23-year-old had yet to establish himself as a regular starter under new Marseille coach Bruno Genesio, and the latest setback could further delay his attempt to secure a consistent place in the first team.
The injury could also affect his club future, with the transfer window still open and a potential move to a side offering more regular playing opportunities now more difficult while he remains sidelined.
For Nigeria, Nnadi’s absence is less pressing given that he only made his Super Eagles debut earlier this year. His immediate priority will be to recover fully and compete for regular first-team football at Marseille.
Yira Sor Out for Six Weeks
Amedspor winger Yira Sor completes the injury list after being ruled out for six weeks with a Grade 2B hamstring injury.
The 26-year-old suffered the setback shortly after making his Super Lig debut following his €3 million transfer from Genk.
Sor had started adapting to his new surroundings and featured in Amedspor’s 3-0 victory over Erzurumspor before suffering the injury during the club’s 2-1 comeback win over Trabzonspor.
He scored Amedspor’s equaliser in that encounter before Gift Orban completed the comeback, but the injury has now interrupted his promising start at the club.
Sor will now face a race against time to return to full fitness and regain the momentum he had built since joining Amedspor.
Chelle Faces Selection Headache
The growing injury list presents Chelle with several difficult decisions ahead of Nigeria’s September international window.
While the severity and expected recovery periods differ, the absence of established options such as Uche, Sanusi, Sadiq and Dele-Bashiru could force the Super Eagles coach to consider alternative players for the crucial qualifiers.
With the new club season still in its early stages, Nigeria will be hoping there are no further injury setbacks before the squad assembles for the upcoming AFCON qualifying assignments.