Injury Crisis Deepens as Kelechi Iheanacho Ruled Out of Nigeria’s World Cup Playoff Against Gabon

Nigeria’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoff against Gabon have suffered yet another setback, with Celtic striker Kelechi Iheanacho ruled out due to injury, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has reportedly delayed the official announcement of his squad because of ongoing European club commitments. Still, sources close to the camp confirm that Iheanacho will not make the list.

The 28-year-old forward becomes the eighth Nigerian player ruled out of the decisive encounter scheduled for November in Morocco, joining Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Cyriel Dessers, Felix Agu, Ola Aina, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi, and Nathan Tella on the growing injury list.

Iheanacho, who joined Celtic from Sevilla during the summer transfer window, has been in fine form for the Scottish champions. However, a persistent hamstring injury has kept him sidelined in recent weeks. The former Manchester City man was also unavailable for Nigeria’s previous World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Benin Republic.

His last appearance for the national team came in May, when he featured as a substitute in the Unity Cup friendly against Jamaica. Celtic manager Martin O’Neill confirmed earlier this week that Iheanacho did not travel with the team for their Europa League tie against FC Midtjylland due to the same injury concern.

Despite the injury crisis, there is some positive news for Nigeria. Samuel Chukwueze has returned to full fitness, impressing off the bench in Fulham’s 3–0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers. At the same time, Chidozie Awaziem passed a late fitness test to feature for Nantes in their Ligue 1 clash against Metz.

Coach Chelle is expected to announce his final squad later this week, after monitoring players involved in midweek European fixtures.

With key stars missing, the Super Eagles face a significant test of depth and resilience as they aim to overcome Gabon and keep their World Cup qualification dream alive.