Blow for Nigeria As Super Eagles Star Doubtful for Upcoming World Cup Qualifiers
- Raphael Onyedika’s potential six-week injury could see him miss out on the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers
- The Super Eagles of Nigeria enter the final phase of the campaign with matches against Lesotho and the Benin Republic
- Medical tests will determine if the key Super Eagles midfielder can recover in time for these crucial fixtures
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the final round of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Nigeria have a date with Lesotho on October 10 before their final match of the series against the Republic of Benin in Uyo on October 14.
Ahead of the massive fixtures, midfielder Raphael Onyedika seems to be injured as he was forced off in Club Brugge’s 5-5 draw with Westerlo.
Source: Getty Images
The Nigerian international suffered a knock in the early stages of the encounter and was substituted in the 16th minute.
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Although there has been no official statement from the club, reports have it that the 24-year-old could be out of action for six weeks.
Eric Chelle's team risks missing the player who has become a key member of the Nigerian national football team.
Medical tests would be conducted on the star as Nigeria hopes he would be fit enough for the matches against Lesotho and Benin, per Soccernet.
However, head coach Chelle would need to shop for alternatives to take charge of the midfield as fans expect the return of Wilfred Ndidi.
The Besiktas of Turkey defender is currently the most experienced defensive midfielder in the Super Eagles and is expected to marshal the position.
Another reliable option for the position is Frank Onyeka, who can also deliver in such a high-profile fixture.
The box-to-box midfielder has shown defensive solidity, can surge forward and could provide the energy and pressing needed to unsettle opposition midfielders, per Sports Ration.
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Also, Alhassan Yusuf, who already has eight caps in the national colours, can take up such a challenge.
The 25-year-old has always impressed with his ball-winning ability and stamina, and these make him a strong contender for more minutes if Onyedika is ruled out.
Kelechi Iheanacho set for Super Eagles return?
Meanwhile, Kelechi Iheanacho could return to the national team fold after scoring Celtic's only goal in their 1-1 draw against Crvena Zvezda in their 2025 UEFA Europa League opening match on Wednesday night, September 24.
The Super Eagles forward replaced Daizen Maeda in the 46th minute and scored for the Scottish champions in the 55th minute.
Source: Getty Images
The Serbian side responded in the 65th minute when Marko Arnautovic headed home from a well-worked corner.
Nigeria set for Colombia friendly
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Nigeria Football Federation have concluded plans for the Super Eagles to play their second friendly.
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The Super Eagles will face Colombia at Citi Field in Queens, New York City, USA, on November 18.
Both countries will face off against each other for the third time ever, with ticket sales set to begin on Monday, September 30.
Source: Legit.ng
