There’s concern in the Nigerian football community as Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze, faces uncertainty ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic. The 24-year-old winger, who plays for AC Milan, sustained an injury during a Serie A fixture against Cagliari on Saturday, casting doubt on his availability for the crucial matches.
The Eagles are set to kick off their World Cup qualifying campaign by hosting Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on June 7, followed by an away fixture against Ivory Coast four days later.
Chukwueze’s injury comes at a critical juncture for the national team, with head coach Finidi George aiming to field a strong squad to secure victories in these crucial qualifiers. The winger’s absence would be a significant blow to the team’s aspirations, particularly with fellow winger Moses Simon still recovering from a lengthy injury.
According to reports from Milan Post, Chukwueze suffered a muscle injury to his left thigh during the match against Cagliari, prompting concerns about his availability for the upcoming fixtures. The extent of the injury remains uncertain, with further assessment needed to determine the recovery timeline.
While the Nigerian football community anxiously awaits updates on Chukwueze’s condition, OrthoInfo, a reputable source for musculoskeletal health information, suggests that recovery from such injuries could range from 10 days to several weeks, depending on the severity.
With the World Cup qualifiers looming, the Super Eagles will be hoping for a swift recovery for Chukwueze, as his presence on the field could be crucial in boosting Nigeria’s chances of securing a spot in the 2026 World Cup. However, the team must also prepare for alternative options in case the winger is unable to regain fitness in time for the crucial fixtures.
