Will Zadok Yohanna make Super Eagles’s Poland-Portugal squad amid Chelle’s worries?

AIK teenage sensation Zadok Yohanna could earn a recall to the Super Eagles squad ahead of their upcoming friendly matches against Poland and Portugal, Afrik-Foot reports.

The three-time African champions failed to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup but are set to face the two European heavyweights over the course of the next few days, as they continue the buildup to the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations tournament scheduled to begin in September.

However, head coach Eric Chelle has confirmed a major setback, with several key players ruled out. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Alhassan Yusuf and Samson Tijani have all joined Samuel Chukwueze on the list of absentees and will miss the European tour for different reasons.

This situation has left the squad with just around 18 available players ahead of the two friendlies, raising concerns over whether Chelle will be forced to call up replacements to strengthen the team.

Zadok Yohanna backed for Super Eagles recall

Highly rated youngster Zadok Yohanna was previously handed his maiden Super Eagles call-up for the 2026 Unity Cup tournament after impressing for Swedish club AIK in 2026, where he has nine goal contributions in just 12 matches this season.

However, AIK blocked his participation due to fitness concerns at the time, as the youngster was recovering from an injury he picked up during a 4-2 defeat to Djurgarden on May 10, when the tournament began.

Now fully back in training after a short injury layoff, the 18-year-old could be in line for another invitation, especially given the current situation in the squad due to the recent withdrawals of some players.

Speaking on the situation, Mr Ayi Mohammed confirmed that the youngster has returned to training and expressed hope that he could receive a call-up.

“Yes. He has now resumed training and we’re hoping he gets called up, and if he doesn’t get called up he will keep pursuing his career”, the Ikon Allah Academy CEO told Afrik-Foot in an exclusive interview.

If Eric Chelle decides to call up replacements ahead of the Super Eagles’ European tour, Zadok Yohanna could be in contention to receive an invitation. The 18-year-old is also expected to be available this time around, given he has returned to training, while the Swedish league is also on a spring break.

Meanwhile, Nigeria head into the both games with confidence following their 3-0 win over Jamaica, which sealed a fourth consecutive Unity Cup triumph. They will face Poland on Wednesday in Warsaw, before facing Portugal on June 10.