Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle, will have to navigate the upcoming Unity Cup in London without the services of Salim Lawal.
The Czech-based forward has been officially ruled out of the tournament, which was intended to be a crucial scouting opportunity for the Malian tactician.
Prolonged Injury Woes for Salim Lawal
Chelle had planned to use the event at the Valley to integrate fresh talent and give more playing time to fringe players who, like Lawal, saw limited action during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Lawal’s absence stems from a significant injury sustained during a league match for FC Viktoria Plzeň against Bohemians.
According to reports from the Czech publication Plzeňský deník, the striker’s recovery timeline extends through the end of the 2025–2026 season.
This setback not only removes him from the Unity Cup roster but also excludes him from upcoming international friendlies against Poland and Portugal.
Before his season was cut short, the former youth international had found the net twice in nine appearances for his club.
Growing Availability Crisis in Attack
The loss of Lawal adds to a mounting selection headache for the Super Eagles coaching staff.
Lawal’s international career has struggled to gain momentum, highlighted by a mere one-minute cameo against Uganda during the last AFCON.
Unfortunately, he isn’t the only casualty in the forward line; Cyriel Dessers is also set to miss the London tournament due to a season-ending injury, leaving Chelle with fewer options as he looks to evaluate the depth of Nigeria’s attacking option.