Nigeria coach addresses Victor Osimhen blow for crucial Bafana tie | OneFootball

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Chelle opens up on Osimhen absence for crucial Bafana clash

Photo: Victor Osimhen

Nigeria national team head coach Eric Chelle has opened up about having to face Bafana Bafana without the reliable services of star striker Victor Osimhen.

The 27-year-old prolific frontman went out injured in the match against Rwanda as the Super Eagles claimed a 1-0 win at Goodswill Akpabio Stadium last Saturday.

As a result of the setback, Osimhen did not travel with the Nigeria squad to Bloemfontein, where they are set to lock horns with South Africa on Tuesday.

The Galatasaray center-forward jetted off to Istanbul to receive medical attention. However, while his absence is a big blow, Chelle is banking on other players to step up.

“Osimhen is a big star, he is a very good player. Like I said, I have a big group [of players]; I have some big players on my side. They are more than players for me and for sure they want to play a great game once again – that’s something I can tell you,” he asserted.

The former Mali international is relishing the occasion to play his team’s fierce rivals, despite being wary of the threat posed by Bafana.

“We are focused about our game plan, and I’m focused on my players. I know South Africa is a very good team with very good players. I like the coach; he is a very good coach and his technical staff,” Chelle added.

“We know that this is a big game, so I’m really happy to play this game, like my players. We are happy and this is the moment to play a great game.

Heading into the high stakes encounter, the Super Eagles are six points adrift of table toppers, Bafana, who have amassed 16 points from seven matches.