Super Eagles: Another Nigerian Star Withdraws from Portugal and Poland Tour After Osimhen and Lookman

Super Eagles midfielder Ebenezer Akinsanmiro will miss Nigeria’s friendlies against Poland and Portugal after falling ill, Afrik‑Foot reports.

Head coach Eric Chelle confirmed the Pisa SC midfielder’s withdrawal as the team prepares for the two high‑profile European fixtures.

The announcement adds to a string of setbacks for the Super Eagles, who have already lost several key players ahead of the June international window.

Super Eagles and Pisa star Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. Copyright: xIPAxSport/IMAGO

Super Eagles: Akinsanmiro joins growing absentee list

Chelle explained that Akinsanmiro will not report to camp because he is currently unwell and cannot travel with the squad.

The 21‑year‑old, who is contracted to Inter Milan and spent the season on loan at Pisa, had been expected to build on his recent involvement with the national team after his performances in Europe earned him recognition. He was seen as one of the young players who could strengthen Nigeria’s midfield options.

The youngster was part of the Super Eagles squad that won the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco earlier in the year. His withdrawal adds to an already lengthy list of absentees.

Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will also miss the friendlies after Chelle and his technical crew decided to give the attacking duo time to recover physically following demanding club campaigns. Osimhen is also expected to focus on resolving his club future during the summer transfer window.

Super Eagles stars Victor Osimhen Ademola Lookman and Ola Aina. Copyright: xADENIYIxMUYIWAxIMAGO

Despite a strong showing at the Unity Cup, Femi Azeez is unavailable after his club declined to release him for the next set of matches. Midfielders Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Tijani have also been ruled out after failing to secure the necessary travel visas in time.

The series of withdrawals has forced Chelle to adjust his plans just days before the Super Eagles begin their European tour.

Poland and Portugal tests come into focus

Even with the missing players, Chelle has insisted that Nigeria will approach both matches with full commitment as part of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Super Eagles will first face Poland at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw on Wednesday, June 3. After that encounter, the team will travel to Portugal for a second friendly against the Portuguese national side in Leiria on June 10.

With Akinsanmiro unavailable, attention is expected to turn to other midfield options.

Eric Chelle, coach of Nigeria Super Eagles. (Photo by Imago)

Olympique de Marseille youngster Tochukwu Nnadi is one of the leading candidates to step into a larger role. The midfielder recently impressed during Nigeria’s Unity Cup triumph over Jamaica and has already shown that he can operate comfortably within Chelle’s system.

Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika is another strong option. His physical presence, defensive discipline and experience at European level could prove valuable against technically gifted opponents such as Poland and Portugal.

The coach could also look towards more experienced names. Alex Iwobi may be deployed in a deeper creative role to help drive attacks from midfield, while Frank Onyeka offers energy, pressing ability and defensive cover in central areas.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles delegation is already preparing for its trip to Warsaw. Senior players including Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, Calvin Bassey and Moses Simon are expected to lead the squad, while newly invited goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo will continue his integration into the national team setup.