Chukwueze doubtful for Eagles W’Cup qualifiers

Super Eagles forward, Samuel Chukwueze, has emerged as a doubt for Nigeria’s World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin Republic.

The Eagles are scheduled to host Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo on June 7 before travelling to Ivory Coast where they face the Squirrels four days later.

The AC Milan winger, who missed Nigeria’s international friendly against Ghana and Mali in March, is again in the race to be fit for the World Cup qualifiers after picking up an injury during the Rossoneri’s Serie A fixture against Cagliari on Saturday.

Samuel Chukwueze, a forward for the Super Eagles, is now doubtful for Nigeria's World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.

On June 7, the Eagles will play host to Bafana Bafana at Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. Four days later, they will fly to Ivory Coast to play the Squirrels.

After suffering an injury during the Rossoneri's Serie A match against Cagliari on Saturday, the AC Milan winger—who was absent from Nigeria's international friendly matches against Ghana and Mali in March—is once again vying to be fit for the World Cup qualifying matches.

At the beginning of the second half, the 24-year-old was pulled off the pitch, and Rafael Leao took his place.
Milan Post verified on Sunday that the Nigerian had suffered a muscle to his thigh.

The newspaper stated on X that Chukwueze had a "muscle problem in the left thigh."

The extent of Chukwueze's injury is still unknown, and additional testing is required to estimate how long it will take him to recover. However, the former Villarreal player may miss several weeks of action, according to OrthoInfo, a publication that offers articles and other resources with comprehensive information about the signs, causes, and available treatments for musculoskeletal issues.

Prior to returning to sports after an injury, give your muscles the time they need to heal. Hold off until your post-injury levels of muscle strength and flexibility are achieved. For a small strain, this can take up to 3 weeks, and for a serious strain, like a hamstring strain, it can take up to 6 months, according to the website.

Head coach Finidi George will have his work cut out for the Eagles as they aim to increase their prospects of making it to the 2026 World Cup, especially with Moses Simon still recuperating from a protracted injury.