Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle, has been dealt a major setback ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier playoffs in November, following an injury to forward Kelechi Iheanacho during Celtic’s UEFA Europa League clash against Sturm Graz on Thursday night.
The Nigerian international limped off just three minutes into the encounter at Celtic Park after appearing to pull his hamstring.
He was immediately replaced by youngster Johnny Kenny as manager Brendan Rodgers was forced into an early substitution.
Iheanacho’s injury comes as a major concern for both club and country.
For Celtic, the setback leaves Rodgers short of attacking options ahead of this weekend’s crucial Scottish Premiership top-of-the-table clash against Hearts, with Japanese striker Daizen Maeda still on the sidelines recovering from a separate injury.
The 29-year-old had been enjoying a promising start to life in Scotland since joining Celtic in the summer, registering three goals and one assist in eight appearances across all competitions.
His form had also put him in strong contention for a recall to the Super Eagles ahead of the crucial World Cup playoff fixtures in Morocco next month.
Coach Eric Chelle, who has been monitoring Iheanacho’s performances closely, will now anxiously await the results of medical scans to determine the extent of the injury.
A lengthy spell on the sidelines would be a huge blow to Nigeria’s hopes of securing a spot in the intercontinental playoffs, as Iheanacho’s experience and creativity in attack were expected to add significant depth to the team.
The Super Eagles are set to regroup in mid November ahead of the decisive playoff matches that will determine Africa’s representatives in the final qualification round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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