Chelle Explains Osimhen, Lookman Absence

Super Eagles of Nigeria head coach, Éric Chelle, has confirmed that Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman will not be available for Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

Nigeria will face Poland in Warsaw on Wednesday before travelling to Leiria for a clash with former European champions Portugal on June 10.

Both Osimhen and Lookman were originally named in Chelle’s squad for the two matches, but the Malian tactician disclosed that circumstances beyond the team’s control forced their withdrawal.

Speaking to the Super Eagles media team, Chelle explained that Osimhen is currently focused on resolving his club future, while Lookman has been excused at the request of Atlético Madrid.

“We miss two players because Victor Osimhen maybe he is about to change club so I prefer he stays at home because if he plays and is not at 100 percent is not good,” Chelle said.

“For Lookman he is very tired and Atletico ask us to excuse him.”

The announcement comes just days after Nigeria retained the Unity Cup in style, defeating Jamaica 3-0 in the final at The Valley in London on Saturday night, May 30.

Despite that success, Chelle admitted he still feels the disappointment of Nigeria’s recent failures on the international stage.

The Super Eagles will not feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after falling short in the African play-offs. Nigeria suffered a heartbreaking 4-3 penalty shoot-out defeat to Congo DR in the final qualifying round.

The three-time African champions also missed out on continental glory at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, finishing third in the tournament.

Reflecting on those setbacks after the Unity Cup triumph, Chelle apologised to Nigerian supporters and thanked them for standing by the team.

“I want to once again say sorry we didn’t go to the World Cup, this is my feeling, sorry we didn’t win the AFCON, I tried to do my job,” the 48-year-old stated.

“I want to say thank you for all the support that was put in the team and once again I will give everything to this national team.”

In a night filled with drama during the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals, Arsenal delivered a stunning performance against Real Madrid.

Arsenal sealed their place in the Champions League semi-finals for the first time in almost two decades by beating Real Madrid 2-1 at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.

This means that the Gunners completed a double against the 15 times UEFA Champions League champions as they sealed a decisive 5-1 aggregate victory.

Simultaneously, Inter Milan showcased their resilience at the San Siro, securing a thrilling 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich, which pushed them through with a 4-3 aggregate win.

Real Madrid 1-2 Arsenal (Aggregate: 1-5)
Arsenal made a powerful statement in European football with a commanding display against the 15-time Champions League winner, Real Madrid.
The Gunners broke the deadlock in the 65th minute when Bukayo Saka found the back of the net. Saka’s goal was particularly special as he had previously missed a penalty in the first half, a moment that could have changed the tide of the match.

However, showcasing his mental strength, the Nigerian-born British winger redeemed himself by finishing calmly after a well-worked team move.

Real Madrid managed to respond quickly, with Vinícius Júnior equalizing in the 67th minute and briefly igniting hope among the home supporters.

Yet, Arsenal’s determination shone through in the final moments of the match, as Gabriel Martinelli exploited a late counterattack, skillfully slotting home the second goal deep into stoppage time. This late strike not only confirmed Arsenal’s progression to the semi-finals but also added a dramatic twist to the clash.

The night was marred for Real Madrid by VAR’s controversial decision, which overturned a potential penalty after it appeared Declan Rice had fouled Kylian Mbappe inside the Arsenal box.

The disappointment from the home fans was palpable, adding to the sense of frustration surrounding Carlo Ancelotti’s squad.

This humiliating defeat marks one of the most shocking exits in Real Madrid’s illustrious Champions League history, leaving their players and supporters completely stunned.

Inter Milan 2-2 Bayern Munich (Aggregate: 4-3)
Meanwhile, in Milan, Inter Milan demonstrated their grit and tactical acumen to fend off Bayern Munich in a pulsating 2-2 draw that secured their place in the semi-finals.

Bayern took an early lead in the 52nd minute with a well-placed header from Harry Kane, putting the pressure firmly on the home side.

Former Super Eagles coach, Christian Chukwu, has died at the age of 74.
According to Vanguard, the prominent figure in Nigerian football died on Saturday, April 11, 2025, but details surrounding his death remain unclear.

Naija News recalls that false reports of Chukwu’s death had circulated in 2021, and the legendary coach refuted the rumours during his 70th birthday celebration on January 4, 2021.

He said, “I am terribly embarrassed with this news that I am dead. Several people have been calling me from across the world since the news broke. I am still investigating the source of the story.”

Christian Chukwu, affectionately known as “Chairman,” was a prominent player and a coach.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has shared encouraging news about his squad’s fitness ahead of Saturday’s crucial Premier League match against Brentford.

With aspirations of maintaining their title challenge, the Gunners are gearing up for a competitive fixture at the Emirates.

Arteta confirmed that Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka will be available for the upcoming game. Both players had to leave the field late during their impressive 3-0 victory over Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday.

However, Arteta reassured fans, stating, “Declan Rice and Saka are fit, no issues or injuries. It’s all good.”

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