Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed that Nigerian forward Olakunle Olusegun is unable to join the national team in South Africa for their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Lesotho.
Chelle explained that the Russia-based player was stopped from travelling by Turkish authorities and has since returned to Nigeria, where he will wait for the team’s arrival ahead of their next match against Benin Republic.
Speaking during a press conference on Thursday, the Malian coach also revealed that midfielder Alhassan Yusuf of New England Revolution is already with the squad in South Africa.
“Three players came yesterday, Akor, Yusuf and Zaidu. Now we are 21,” Chelle told reporters. “We have a player who was blocked in Turkey. He went straight to Nigeria to wait for us in Nigeria for the second game.”
The Super Eagles began training on Tuesday at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane, with Sevilla striker Akor Adams and FC Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi among the latest arrivals.
Nigeria will take on Lesotho on Friday in a crucial World Cup qualifier before facing Benin Republic at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Tuesday.
To keep their qualification hopes alive, Nigeria must win both games and hope that South Africa drop points against Zimbabwe in their own fixtures.
