Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle, has revealed he deliberately omitted Victor Osimhen from the team's recent squads to protect the striker ahead of a potential summer transfer, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports.
Osimhen's future remains uncertain after his loan spell at Galatasaray, where he scored 37 goals.
Chelle believes Osimhen could join a top European club, naming Manchester United, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid as possible destinations.
"I need to protect him physically and mentally, because maybe he will go [and get a transfer move]," Chelle told BBC Sport. "So he needs to be focused on that."
Reports also suggest Saudi Arabia Pro League teams are interested in signing Osimhen, adding to the speculation surrounding his future.
By Olujimi Dare Ogun