{
  "id": 8810498,
  "title": "Awoniyi Replaces Injured Osimhen in Chelle’s Squad for Madagascar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/awoniyi-replaces-injured-osimhen-in-chelles-squad-for-madagascar",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T01:09:15.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "This Day",
    "slug": "this-day",
    "url": "https://www.thisdaylive.com/2026/09/21/awoniyi-replaces-injured-osimhen-in-chelles-squad-for-madagascar/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made an injury-related squad change for the upcoming 2027 AFCON qualifiers, replacing Victor Osimhen with Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi. Osimhen, who was initially included in the squad, is still recovering from a muscle strain injury and was unable to play in the Turkish Super Lig match against Trabzonspor last Saturday. Awoniyi, a former Golden Eaglets and Flying Eagles player, was called up as a direct replacement for Osimhen. The 22-year-old has made 10 appearances for the Super Eagles, scoring two goals. The Super Eagles will face Madagascar in a qualifying match for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which is scheduled to take place at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, 25th September 2026.",
  "summary": "Duro Ikhazuagbe Super Eagles Head Coach, Eric Chelle, has replaced injured Victor Osimhen with Coventry City striker Taiwo Awoniyi ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Madagascar and Guinea Bissau",
  "key_points": [
    "Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle replaces injured Victor Osimhen.",
    "Striker Taiwo Awoniyi called up as direct replacement.",
    "Madagascar qualifier match on 25th September 2026."
  ],
  "editors_take": "This change bolsters Nigeria's attacking options for the crucial 2027 AFCON qualifier against Madagascar, giving coach Eric Chelle a more robust squad with Taiwo Awoniyi's experience and goal-scoring record.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}