Author: Aishat Akanni
His ability to combine physicality with ball progression and defensive awareness makes him a rare asset in midfield one that Nigeria may miss in the crucial World Cup qualifiers.
Osimhen’s blistering form has continued to attract attention from top European clubs, with Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain reportedly eyeing a summer move for the prolific striker.
With no signs of improvement, the decision was made to pull him out of Nigeria’s squad to allow him time to recover.
The 25-year-old striker also expressed confidence in Chelle’s leadership and emphasized the need for players to take responsibility.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference ahead of Lazio’s Europa League return leg at the Stadio Olimpico, Baroni addressed the situation:
With Nigeria also in desperate need of points, the Super Eagles will be hoping to capitalize on home advantage when they host Zimbabwe in Uyo.
For Onyedika, the focus now shifts back to domestic duties with Club Brugge as they look to bounce back from their European disappointment.
With the Super Eagles struggling early in the qualifiers, these matches are crucial as they look to revive their World Cup hopes.
With the squad now finalized, Nigeria will look to turn their World Cup qualifying campaign around when they face Rwanda on March 21 and Zimbabwe on March 25.
Meanwhile, there has been no official word from the Nigerian Football Federation on whether they have made an effort to convince Obi to switch his allegiance to the Super Eagles.
