Nigeria’s Super Eagles have suffered another injury setback in attack, with Paul Onuachu joining Victor Osimhen on the sidelines.
Osimhen is expected to miss around three weeks after Galatasaray confirmed that the 27-year-old striker is dealing with a muscle strain.
Onuachu, meanwhile, picked up an injury during Trabzonspor’s 5-0 win over Gençlerbirliği in the Turkish Süper Lig on Sunday.
The Nigerian striker enjoyed an excellent start to the game, scoring twice inside the opening 22 minutes to help Trabzonspor take control.
He could have completed a hat-trick, but allowed Mohamed Salah to take a 12th-minute penalty, which the Egyptian calmly converted.
However, Onuachu’s night ended early as he was substituted in the 44th minute after appearing to suffer a muscle problem.
Trabzonspor went on to complete a convincing 5-0 victory, with Ernest Muçi and Onuachu’s replacement, Franculino Djú, also getting on the scoresheet.
For Onuachu, it was a night of mixed emotions. The two goals ended his ten-match goal drought, but his injury could now keep him out for several weeks.
Another blow for the Super Eagles
The timing of the injury is not ideal for Onuachu, particularly with Trabzonspor having recently signed Franculino Djú from Midtjylland.
The young forward is expected to compete with Onuachu for a starting position, and his absence could give Djú an opportunity to establish himself in the team.
For Nigeria, however, the bigger concern is the growing list of attacking options dealing with fitness issues.
Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle is already expected to be without Osimhen for the upcoming international window, and Onuachu could now become another doubt.
However, Onuachu’s place in the national team is not guaranteed. The 32-year-old has struggled for consistency recently, while other Nigerian forwards have been in good form.
Cyriel Dessers, Tolu Arokodare, Kelechi Iheanacho and Rafiu Durosinmi have all emerged as possible alternatives for Chelle.
With several options available, Onuachu may have faced a battle to make the squad even if he had remained fit.
For now, the striker will hope further medical tests show that the injury is not serious and that he can return to action as soon as possible.
