The Malian tactician expressed delight over Osimhen’s return to full fitness after the injury he picked up during Nigeria’s 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Uyo last September. His availability is seen as a major boost to the national team’s hopes of keeping their World Cup dreams alive.
“For us, Victor is the best striker in the world,” Chelle told sports journalists ahead of Friday’s clash with Lesotho. “But we have many attackers who can make the difference at any moment. Sometimes you have some players, sometimes you don’t, but the focus must remain on those who are ready now.”
The Super Eagles are in a tight spot in their qualifying campaign, with their chances of making it to the 2026 tournament in North America hanging in the balance. Only back-to-back victories in their remaining fixtures against Lesotho and Benin would keep Nigeria’s hopes alive.
Osimhen’s return is expected to inject renewed confidence and attacking power into a team desperate to reclaim its place among the world’s elite football nations.