Super Eagles Squad Hit by Late Injury Blow
In a significant setback for the Nigerian national team, coach Eric Chelle has been forced into a last-minute alteration of his 24-man squad for the crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs scheduled to be held in Morocco. The change comes just days before the high-stakes tournament, casting a shadow over the team's preparations.
Akinsanmiro's Maiden Call-Up Ends in Disappointment
The player at the heart of this unexpected change is Ebenezer Akinsanmiro. The 20-year-old midfielder, who is currently on loan at Serie A club Pisa from Inter Milan, was poised to receive his first-ever senior national team call-up. His impressive form this season, where he has made 10 league appearances and provided one assist, had caught the eye of the coaching staff.
However, his dream debut was cruelly snatched away due to an unfortunate injury. Akinsanmiro started for Pisa in their 1-0 victory over Cremonese on Friday, November 7. After putting in a solid performance and earning a 7.2 rating, the match took a sour turn when he was substituted in the 68th minute. The substitution was a direct result of the young talent landing awkwardly and sustaining a shoulder injury.
Yusuf Steps In as Replacement
With Akinsanmiro now facing a spell on the sidelines and requiring further assessment to determine the full extent of the damage, coach Eric Chelle had to act swiftly. The vacancy in the squad has been filled by Alhassan Yusuf of MLS side New England Revolution. According to reports, Yusuf was initially placed on the standby list but has now been promoted to the main squad for the playoff mini-tournament.
The revised Super Eagles squad will now focus on their immediate challenge: a semi-final clash against Gabon on Thursday, November 13. The winner of this match will advance to the final on Sunday, November 16, where they will face the victor of the other semi-final between DR Congo and Cameroon.
The ultimate prize is immense. The team that triumphs in the final will secure Africa's sole ticket to the Intercontinental playoffs, keeping their dream of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive. Coach Chelle has previously expressed that a strong performance in Morocco could serve as a significant morale booster for the team ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is scheduled to run from December 21 to January 18.
