Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed an injury concern in the Nigeria camp ahead of Tuesday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Guinea-Bissau.
Chelle revealed that forward George Ilenikhena is doubtful for the crucial Group L encounter, while two other players in the squad are also currently battling illness.
The coach’s update comes as Nigeria intensifies preparations for the away fixture in Bissau, with the Super Eagles looking to build on their opening-day victory over Madagascar.
Ilenikhena was one of the standout performers in Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.
The forward marked his senior international debut with a first-half equaliser after Madagascar had taken an early lead.
The Saudi Arabia-based striker was subsequently substituted in the second half, and reports indicated that he did not train fully with the squad ahead of the Guinea-Bissau game.
Akor Adams has also been reported as being in a fitness race, after the forward similarly missed part of the team’s training.
Chelle’s latest update therefore leaves Nigeria with questions over the availability of some of its attacking options just 24 hours before the match.
The Super Eagles already travelled to Bissau without Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of the September qualifiers because of injury.
Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.
Should Ilenikhena be unavailable, Chelle has several alternatives in attack, including Awoniyi, Tolu Arokodare and Moses Usor.
Usor came off the bench to score Nigeria’s winning goal against Madagascar and could come into contention for a starting role.
Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau both have three points after winning their opening Group L fixtures.
While the Super Eagles defeated Madagascar 2-1, Guinea-Bissau recorded a 2-0 away victory over Tanzania.
The Super Eagles will face the Djurtus at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau on Tuesday, September 29, in a match that could have an early impact on the race for the group’s qualification place.
For Chelle, the immediate priority will be determining the fitness of Ilenikhena and managing the two players affected by illness before naming his final squad for the encounter.
