Nigeria football team coach Eric Chelle has explained Victor Osimhen's absence from the Super Eagles squads for the 2025 Unity Cup and the upcoming friendly against Russia.

The striker will wrap up his season-long loan spell at Galatasaray by seeking a permanent move in the summer.

As noted by Transfermarkt, he scored 37 goals and provided eight assists in 41 games in all competitions for the Lions, helping them win the Turkish Super Lig and Turkish Cup double.

Notwithstanding the brilliant season, a number of clubs reportedly rescinded their interest in Osimhen, particularly due to his hefty €75 million release clause from his parent club, Napoli.

Saudi Arabia is another option, and Al-Hilal's offer is reported to still be on the table. Although Super Eagles legend John Mikel Obi believes that this will be a waste, as reported by the Daily Post.

Chelle tips Osimhen for big moves

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles participated in the 2025 Unity Cup, defeating rivals Ghana and Caribbean nation Jamaica en route to winning the mini-tournament in London.

Top stars Osimhen and Ademola Lookman were left out of the squad, and also missed out on the squad for the international friendly match against Russia on June 6.

Head coach Eric Chelle has opened up on why he left out the Napoli-owned forward from both squads, despite his admission that Osimhen is the best striker in the world.

“For him, it is difficult to come for this game because he played a season with a lot of pressure,” he told BBC Sports Africa.

“The reality is, there is a transfer window. During this time, a player like him is not focused at 100%. I need to protect him physically and mentally, because maybe he will go [and get a transfer move].

“Maybe a club like Manchester United. Or maybe Chelsea, Barcelona or Real Madrid. So he needs to be focused on that,” he concluded.

Two of the clubs he mentioned, Manchester United and Chelsea, were previously interested in the Nigerian forward but have turned their attention to other targets.

Barcelona was mentioned once, but the news quickly died as a rumour. Real Madrid has never been in the race to sign the Nigerian, with their front three already set.

Al-Hilal and Galatasaray are seemingly the only clubs left in the race for Osimhen, who must decide whether to accept a lucrative deal or continue for a lesser wage.