By Ohuakanwa Chibuzo
Concern looms over the availability of Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze, for Nigeria’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, according to reports from PUNCH Sports Extra.
The Eagles are gearing up to host Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on June 7, followed by a trip to Ivory Coast for a clash against the Squirrels four days later.
Chukwueze, who was absent during Nigeria’s international friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March, is once again racing against time to regain fitness for the crucial World Cup qualifiers after sustaining an injury during AC Milan’s Serie A encounter against Cagliari on Saturday.
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The 24-year-old winger was forced off the pitch early in the second half and was substituted by Rafael Leao. Milan Post later confirmed that Samuel Chukwueze had suffered a muscle injury to his left thigh, casting doubt over his availability for the upcoming matches.
The severity of Chukwueze’s injury remains unclear, with further assessment required to determine the extent of his recovery period. However, OrthoInfo, a publication specializing in musculoskeletal problems, suggests that the former Villarreal player could be sidelined for several weeks depending on the severity of the strain.
Head coach Finidi George faces a selection dilemma with Moses Simon still on the road to recovery from a lengthy injury. As the Eagles strive to enhance their prospects of qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, George will need to navigate through the challenges posed by Chukwueze’s potential absence, amplifying the importance of swift recovery and strategic planning ahead of the crucial fixtures.