Why Victor Osimhen may miss Super Eagles games in September?

Super Eagles players are set to return to Nigeria in September for the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying matches, but there is still uncertainty surrounding the team’s head coach and the participation of star player Victor Osimhen.

The Super Eagles will kick off their AFCON 2025 qualifying campaign with a home match against Benin, coached by former Nigeria manager Gernot Rohr, on the weekend of September 7. Three days later, they will face Rwanda. Both matches are crucial as Nigeria looks to secure a spot in the tournament.

The Super Eagles’ training camp is scheduled to open on September 1 in Uyo, the venue for the match against Benin. Foreign-based players are expected to join the camp as soon as they fulfill their club commitments that weekend.

However, despite the upcoming fixtures, there is still no official word on who will manage the team. The Super Eagles are currently without a head coach following Finidi George’s departure after a 2-1 loss to Benin in June’s World Cup qualifiers.

Several names, including Herve Renard, Janne Andersson, and Tom Saintfiet, have been mentioned in the media, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has yet to appoint Finidi’s successor. It is increasingly likely that an interim manager will lead the team for these crucial matches.

In addition to the coaching uncertainty, there are doubts about Victor Osimhen’s availability for the qualifiers. The Nigerian striker, who missed Napoli’s first league game, is facing an uncertain future with the club as the transfer window closes on August 30.

If Osimhen’s situation is not resolved soon, he may be excluded from the squad to allow him to settle at a new club, should he leave Napoli as expected.