Super Eagles chance slips for Kareem Tunde as Levante star to miss Villarreal tie

Kareem Tunde’s push for a first senior call-up to the Nigeria Super Eagles has suffered a major setback after the Levante winger picked up an injury that will rule him out of a while, Afrik-Foot reports.

The 20-year-old forward, who has been one of Levante’s brightest young talents this season, sustained a muscle injury in his left adductor during his side’s 2-0 victory over Sevilla FC. Tunde was forced off in the 42nd minute after pulling up with discomfort, cutting short what had been another lively performance on the wing.

Medical tests carried out shortly after the match confirmed the extent of the injury, with Levante stating that his return to training will depend on how well he responds to treatment. That uncertainty leaves his immediate future unclear, with growing fears he could miss the remaining six matches of the season.

Kareem Tunde is already set to miss struggling Levante’s crucial away fixture against third-placed Villarreal on Saturday.

The timing could hardly be worse for both player and club. Under head coach Luís Castro, Tunde has become a key figure, featuring in 15 league matches and starting 12 of them, while clocking close to 1,000 minutes of top-flight football. His pace, direct running, and ability to operate on either flank have made him a vital outlet in attack, while his defensive work has added balance to the team.

Levante, who are battling to stay clear of relegation trouble, now face a difficult run-in without one of their most consistent performers. The responsibility is expected to fall on teammates such as Victor Garcia, who could be tasked with filling the void on the right wing as the team looks to maintain momentum in a tense closing stretch.

It is not mission impossible, though, as Levante held their own in the absence of Tunde, forcing ten-man Espanyol to a goalless away draw at the weekend.

Kareem Tunde: Super Eagles and Unity Cup dream in doubt

Beyond club football, the injury also casts a shadow over Kareem Tunde’s international ambitions with Nigeria. The winger had been closely monitored by Super Eagles head coach Éric Chelle, who is preparing to assess new talents ahead of upcoming fixtures.

Tunde’s profile fits neatly into Chelle’s tactical approach, which relies heavily on speed, direct play, and width. As a naturally left-footed winger, he offers a different balance to Nigeria’s attacking options, many of whom prefer their right foot.

His background, including time spent in FC Barcelona’s famed academy, has also shaped his technical quality and decision-making on the ball.

The injury, however, is likely to rule him out of the 2026 Unity Cup, a four-nation tournament scheduled to take place in London from May 26 to May 30. The competition was designed as a testing ground for emerging players, making it a perfect stage for Tunde to stake his claim.

With competition for places intensifying, especially from other wide players pushing for inclusion, missing this window could see him fall behind in the race for a place in the national team setup. Born in Barcelona, Spain, the prospect of making his debut in front of a large Nigerian community in London would have added extra meaning to the occasion.

Still, at just 20, time remains firmly on Tunde’s side. If he recovers well and returns to full fitness, his performances this season suggest he will remain firmly in contention as Nigeria continue to build towards future competitions, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.