Former Nigerian international Dimeji Lawal has expressed confidence that the Super Eagles can produce strong performances against Portugal and Poland in their upcoming June friendlies, even without strikers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.

Both forwards were named in the original squad announced two weeks ago, but head coach Chelle withdrew them to protect their physical condition and honour club requests ahead of a demanding end to the European season.

Why the absences need not derail Nigeria

Their omission removes two of Nigeria's most dangerous attacking weapons. Osimhen has long been central to the Super Eagles' forward line, while Lookman capped an impressive European campaign by helping his club reach the semi-finals of the 2025/26 UEFA Champions League.

Speaking to Completesports.com, Lawal played down concerns over the duo's withdrawal. "I don't think the absence of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman should be a big issue for the Super Eagles ahead of their friendlies against Poland and Portugal," he said. "With the other players at Chelle's disposal, I believe the team is capable of withstanding Portugal and Poland. Two or three players that performed well at the Unity Cup can be drafted to replace them."

Lawal added that he had no anxiety about the fixtures: "I am not worried at all. I wish the team the very best against two of Europe's established football nations."

Azeez handed call-up after Unity Cup breakthrough

Nigeria are scheduled to face Poland on 3 June at the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, before meeting Portugal on 10 June at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria. The squad has also been affected by transfer complications, personal circumstances, and visa issues, but Chelle views both games as valuable opportunities to assess his developing group ahead of future competitive commitments.

To address the growing list of absentees, Chelle has called up Millwall forward Femi Azeez, who emerged as one of the standout performers at the Unity Cup. Azeez announced himself on the international stage in emphatic fashion, scoring both goals in Nigeria's 2-0 semi-final win over Zimbabwe — a display of pace, movement, and direct attacking intent that caught the eye.