Nigeria’s Super Eagles have suffered another injury setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, with Marseille midfielder Tochukwu Nnadi ruled out of the team’s opening fixtures.
The 23-year-old defensive midfielder sustained a knee injury during Olympique Marseille’s 2-0 Ligue 1 defeat to Monaco on August 30.
Nnadi was introduced at half-time but was forced off after picking up the injury, with further medical examinations, including an MRI scan, required to determine the full extent of the problem.
According to reports, the Nigerian midfielder is not expected to return until late September, ruling him out of the Super Eagles’ opening Group L qualifiers.
Nnadi to Miss Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau Matches
Nigeria are scheduled to begin their 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign at home against Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on September 23.
The Super Eagles will then travel to face Guinea-Bissau four days later as Eric Chelle’s side look to make a strong start to their qualification campaign.
Nnadi had been expected to compete for a place in Chelle’s midfield after making his senior international debut earlier this year.
The Marseille midfielder has so far collected five senior caps for Nigeria and has been working to establish himself at club level under Marseille head coach Bruno Genesio.
His latest injury therefore comes at an unfortunate time, particularly with the international window approaching.
Another Concern for Marseille and Transfer Plans
The injury could also complicate Nnadi’s situation during the final stages of the transfer window.
With clubs generally reluctant to commit to players whose fitness remains uncertain, the knee problem could potentially affect any late transfer interest in the Nigerian midfielder.
For now, however, the priority will be his recovery as he looks to return to action later in September.
Chelle Faces Growing Injury Problems
Nnadi’s absence adds to an increasingly difficult injury situation for Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle.
Several important Nigerian players are currently sidelined or facing doubts over their availability for the upcoming qualifiers.
Getafe midfielder Christantus Uche is still recovering from serious knee surgery, while Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi is expected to spend around two months on the sidelines with an adductor injury.
Lazio midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru is also dealing with a thigh strain, while Valencia striker Sadiq Umar is recovering from a hamstring problem.
Amedspor winger Yira Sor is another concern after suffering a Grade 2B hamstring tear that is expected to keep him out for approximately six weeks.
The growing list of absentees leaves Chelle with difficult decisions to make as he prepares his squad for the opening two matches of the qualification campaign.
Super Eagles Target Strong Start in Group L
Nigeria has been drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau, while Tanzania is also in the group as one of the co-hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Tanzania will qualify automatically as a host nation, leaving Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau to battle for qualification places according to the competition’s qualification format.
The Super Eagles will be hoping to put their injury concerns behind them and begin the campaign strongly when they welcome Madagascar to Uyo on September 23.
However, with Nnadi now ruled out and several other key players facing fitness concerns, Chelle could be forced to reshuffle his plans ahead of what promises to be a demanding start to Nigeria’s road to the 2027 AFCON.
