Victor Osimhen is expected to start for Nigeria in their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Algeria on Saturday.
Osimhen’s place in the Super Eagles’ attack was called into question by some supporters following the striker’s altercation with team-mate Ademola Lookman during the round of 16 win over Mozambique.
The Galatasaray star was berated Lookman and Bruno Onyemaechi for not passing him the ball when on a hat-trick and this prompted a verbal altercation which Nigeria captain Wilfried Ndidi had to diffuse while Calvin Bassey played the peacemaker role.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle played down the incident while also hinting at a punishment for Osimhen for his on-field behaviour.
"What happened on the pitch will stay in the group,” Chelle told reporters.
“I don’t need to tell you what happened or what will happen. For my management, I keep that for me and everything that happens in the life of the group will stay in the life of group."
With that said, it would appear that Osimhen will not be punished by being dropped from the starting lineup against Algeria as Nigeria seek to reach the AFCON semi-final.
In fact, there is every chance Chelle names an unchanged team for the quarter-final showdown as Cyriel Dessers is the only player from the 28-man squad ruled out through injury or suspension.
Bassey, Ndidi and Frank Onyeka are also expected to start for the Super Eagles, but the trio are walking the disciplinary tight-rope as they are one yellow card away from missing a potential semi-final tie.
Predicted Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Injured: Dessers
Time and date: 4pm GMT on Saturday, January 10, 2026
How to watch: Channel 4 Network
Venue: Marrakesh Stadium
