The Super Eagles of Nigeria will kick off their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign without their talisman, Victor Osimhen.

The 27-year-old pulled out of Eric Chelle’s 24-man squad due to a muscle strain he suffered during Galatasaray’s 3-2 win over İstanbul Başakşehir on September 4.

Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi was quickly drafted into the squad to replace Osimhen.

The three other strikers currently at the Super Eagles’ camp are Akor Adams, Tolu Arokodare and new invitee George Ilenikhena.

Reports from the Super Eagles’ first training session on Tuesday indicate that Chelle will most likely stick with his default 4-4-2 formation.

The question most Nigerians will be asking is: who will be the pair upfront for the team, with the likes of Osimhen and Paul Onuachu absent from the squad?

However, a report from OwnGoalNigeria indicates that the Malian tactician has settled on the duo of Akor Adams of Venezia and George Ilenikhena of Al-Ittihad.

According to the report, the rationale is to get Ilenikhena operating as a second striker behind Akor Adams, who will lead the line.

However, it remains to be seen how Chelle will set up his entire team as Nigeria host Madagascar in their qualifying opener at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25.

WDN