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Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle is facing selection concerns ahead of Nigeria’s second Group L fixture in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday.
George Ilenikhena and Akor Adams are among the players whose availability is uncertain, while Chelle has also revealed that two or three other members of the squad are battling illness.
Ilenikhena is the latest major concern after the 20-year-old forward picked up a minor fitness issue following Nigeria’s 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo.
The Saudi Arabia-based striker made an impressive senior international debut in the opening qualifier, scoring Nigeria’s equaliser after Madagascar had taken an early lead.
Chelle confirmed at his pre-match press conference that Ilenikhena would undergo a final assessment before a decision is made on whether he can feature against Guinea-Bissau.
“We have to manage, maybe George, he has a little something, so we have to manage what we see at the last training session too,” Chelle said.
Akor Adams is also facing a fitness race after reportedly training separately from the rest of the squad. The striker started against Madagascar and remains under assessment ahead of the trip to Bissau.
Chelle further disclosed that two or three other players in the camp had fallen ill but did not reveal their identities or the nature of their illnesses.
The latest concerns come with Nigeria already missing Victor Osimhen, who was ruled out of the September qualifiers while recovering from a muscle injury. Taiwo Awoniyi was subsequently called up as his replacement.
Despite the concerns, Nigeria will head into Tuesday’s encounter with confidence following the comeback win over Madagascar. Debutant Moses Usor scored the winning goal after Ilenikhena had restored parity.
Guinea-Bissau also opened their campaign with a victory, defeating co-hosts Tanzania 2-0 away from home. Both Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria therefore have three points, with the former currently ahead on goal difference.
The Super Eagles will face Guinea-Bissau at the Estádio Nacional 24 de Setembro in Bissau, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time on Tuesday, September 29.
Chelle will now have to assess his squad’s fitness before deciding on his final team for the crucial Group L encounter.
