Chelle loses Super Eagles star to injury ahead of Unity Cup, Portugal and Poland friendlies

Nigeria’s preparations for the upcoming Unity Cup in London have suffered a setback after striker Salim Fago Lawal was ruled out through injury, dealing a blow to head coach Eric Chelle, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Viktoria Plzen forward will miss the invitational tournament scheduled to take place at The Valley, where Nigeria’s Super Eagles are expected to face strong opposition as part of their build-up to future international competitions. At the Unity Cup, the Super Eagles will face Zimbabwe on matchday one before tackling either India or Jamaica a few days later.

Chelle had been planning to use the Unity Cup as an opportunity to assess emerging talents of Nigerian descent, alongside fringe players who have yet to establish themselves fully at senior international level. Lawal, who only recently broke into the national team, was firmly in that category.

The 23-year-old striker had a quiet outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Nigeria secured a bronze medal. During the tournament, he remained an unused substitute in four matches and made just a brief one-minute appearance in his competitive debut against Uganda.

Despite his limited involvement, the Unity Cup was seen as a chance for him to gain valuable minutes and push for a more prominent role in the squad.

However, reports from Czech outlet Plzeňský deník indicate that Lawal will be sidelined until the end of the 2025–2026 season. This not only rules him out of the London tournament but also Nigeria’s upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.

Lawal: Injury setback halts Unity Cup show

Lawal has not played for FC Viktoria Plzeň since suffering an injury early in a league match against Bohemians. The forward was forced off just minutes into the game, and subsequent assessments confirmed a long-term issue that has now ended his season prematurely.

The injury had already kept him out of Nigeria’s March fixtures against Iran and Jordan, and his continued absence now extends into a crucial period where Chelle is keen to refine his squad.

Before the setback, Lawal had been building momentum following his high-profile move to Viktoria Plzeň. The former Flying Eagles striker had made nine appearances for the Czech side, scoring two goals and showing glimpses of his pace, aerial strength, and physical presence. Those were qualities that made him one of the most exciting young Nigerian forwards in Europe.

His absence leaves Chelle with fewer attacking options, particularly as another Super Eagles striker, Cyriel Dessers, has also been ruled out with a season-ending injury.

With two forwards unavailable, the Unity Cup now becomes even more significant for other attacking players hoping to stake a claim for regular selection.

Chelle could make his pick from England-based duo of Tolu Arokodare and Christantus Uche while a couple of NPFL performers are also punching for call-ups.