It is increasingly looking likely that Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze, may not take part in Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic, PRIMANEWS Sports Extra reports.
The Eagles are scheduled to host Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on June 7 before travelling to Ivory Coast where they face the Squirrels three days later.
In preparation for the games, head coach Finidi George invited 23 Eagles stars, with the former Villarreal man included in an eight-man attacking shortlist.
Chukuwueze’s participation in those clashes is looking unlikely after the winger was left out of Milan’s Australian tour.
Daniele Bonera, the club’s stand-in coach following the sacking of Stefano Pioli , took 23 players for the tour in Australia where the team is expected to play a friendly match against AS Roma at the Optus Stadium in Perth today but the Nigerian did not travel with the team.
Chukwueze’s omission from Milan’s squad means the winger, who missed Nigeria’s international friendly against Ghana and Mali in March, is running against time for the important clashes against the Bafana Bafana and the Squirrels.
The 24-year-old picked up an injury during the Rossoneri’s Serie A fixture against Cagliari on May 11 as he was forced off the field at the start of the second half and was replaced by Rafael Leao. Subsequently, missing Milan’s last two Serie A matches against Torino and Salernitana
While Milan refused to give the extent of the injury it was believed that Chukwueze would be out for about three weeks.
With Moses Simon still recovering from a lengthy injury and Victor Osimhen also ruled out of the fixtures, head coach Finidi George now has his work cut out with the latest reports emanating from Italy.
Chukwueze’s absence would be a significant blow to Nigeria’s chances of securing crucial wins against South Africa and the Benin Republic.
