Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle says Victor Osimhen missed the Super Eagles’ 3-3 draw with Russia because he had not recovered from injury in time.
Osimhen was initially named in Nigeria’s squad but remained with Galatasaray after failing to return to fitness before the international break.
Chelle said the decision followed an agreement between Nigeria and Galatasaray and insisted there was no dispute involving the striker or his club.
“We included him on the initial list because at that point we didn’t know whether he would have time to recover,” Chelle said, according to Championat. “There is no conflict between the player, the club, or the national team.”
The coach also dismissed suggestions that he had indicated Osimhen wanted to leave Galatasaray, saying his previous comments about a potential transfer had been misunderstood.
“Victor likes Galatasaray, and the club is happy with Victor. I consider him one of the best strikers in the world,” Chelle said.
Chelle was speaking after Nigeria recovered from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 in Nizhny Novgorod. Kelechi Iheanacho and late goals from Peter Edokpolor and Akor Adams completed the comeback.
The result provided a positive finish to an experimental international window in which Chelle handed nine players their Nigeria debuts.
Chelle also praised Russia and dismissed negative perceptions of the country after spending time in Nizhny Novgorod.
“I consider the Russian national team a good and strong team,” he said. “I’m happy with my team.”
