By Amaechi Agbo
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has suffered another potential setback ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign after 45-cap midfielder Frank Onyeka picked up an injury.
Peoples Daily understands Onyeka suffered the injury during Coventry City’s heavy 5-0 defeat to Brighton.
The midfielder played for 73 minutes before appearing to sustain a wrist injury after being pushed to the ground by an opponent.
He was visibly in significant discomfort and was forced to leave the pitch before the final whistle.
The full extent of Onyeka’s injury has yet to be confirmed, with further updates expected in the coming days.
However, his reaction after the incident has raised concerns over his availability for Nigeria’s upcoming fixtures.
Nigeria are scheduled to return to action later this month for their 2027 AFCON qualifying matches against Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Chelle is already expected to be without midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi and captain Victor Osimhen, both of whom are unavailable because of injuries.
Onyeka’s latest setback could therefore create another selection headache for the Super Eagles coach.
Onyeka has remained an important player under Chelle since the Franco-Malian took charge of the national team.
Although tactical considerations have prevented him from becoming an automatic starter, the coach values his work rate and defensive discipline.
With Nnadi already ruled out, losing Onyeka would represent another blow to Nigeria’s midfield options.
According to the report, Alhassan Yusuf could provide an alternative after impressing during the Unity Cup earlier this year.
However, Chelle will continue to monitor Onyeka’s medical situation closely with the AFCON qualifiers less than two weeks away.
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