Super Eagles squad vs Tanzania: Who will replace injured Samuel Chukwueze?

Nigeria’s Super Eagles return to action this month as the three-time continental champions continue their hunt for a qualifying ticket to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The 2013 AFCON kings could be without one of their key players in attack as they prepare to trade tackles with Tanzania in back-to-back qualifying games.

Samuel Chukwueze is set to miss Nigeria’s 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Tanzania after suffering a hip injury at AC Milan.

The 27-year-old is reportedly facing around two months on the sidelines after developing severe discomfort in his left hip following Milan’s 3-2 Serie A win over Atalanta on October 18. The injury is expected to keep him out of Nigeria’s November fixtures and could rule him out for the rest of the year.

Reports from Italy say Chukwueze has consulted a hip specialist and begun treatment with localised injections. He is due for another assessment within 10 to 15 days.

The winger has already missed Milan’s games against Udinese and Bologna, as well as the derby victory over Inter Milan on October 31. He is also expected to sit out the club’s November fixtures against Ferencváros and Genoa.

Nigeria face Tanzania in Uyo on November 13 before travelling to Dar es Salaam for the return leg on November 17. The Super Eagles have three points from their opening two Group L matches and trail leaders Guinea-Bissau by three points after losing 3-0 earlier in the campaign.

With qualification at stake, Chelle will need to find a suitable replacement for Chukwueze ahead of the double-header.

Super Eagles: Usor, Otele and Umar in contention

One of the immediate tasks facing Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is to invite a suitable replacement for the injured Samuel Chukwueze.

Chelle has fewer options than expected, with Nathan Tella, Femi Azeez and Zadok Yohanna also unavailable because of fitness problems.

Tella missed Bayer Leverkusen’s Bundesliga match against Stuttgart on October 31 with a muscular injury. Brighton forward Azeez is recovering from a similar problem, while club teammate Yohanna is still working his way back from an earlier knock.

Their absence leaves Moses Usor, Philip Otele and Abubakar Umar as possible replacements for Chukwueze on the right flank.

Usor looks to have the strongest claim. The LASK forward impressed on his Super Eagles debut against Madagascar and has already scored for Nigeria. His performances in Austria have also raised his profile before Chelle.

Usor is fast, tricky on the wings, decent in the one-v-one and can even play as a centre-forward. He runs a lot, works hard, can be deployed across multiple attacking roles – all qualities that make him the archetypal Chelle player.

Despite Usor boasting only two Super Eagles caps, it would surprise no one if he makes the November squad.

Otele is another player Chelle can turn to as a potential Chukwueze replacement. The FC Basel winger has five senior caps and brings international experience to the competition for Chukwueze’s place.

Umar could also come into consideration after impressing on his senior debut against Russia in the 3-3 friendly draw on October 6. However, he has less experience with the Super Eagles than Otele. But Umar’s energy, hunger, and brilliant forward play left a big impact on Chelle and could be a deciding factor during squad selection.

Nigeria need six points from the double-header against Tanzania and the onus is on Eric Chelle to pick the right players who can get the job done.