Heartbreak for Eric Chelle: 21-year-old's dream Super Eagles audition goes wrong against Eberechi Eze, Saka’s Arsenal
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uper Eagles Heartbreak: David Moses’ Dream Audition Ends In Injury During UCL Clash. (Photo Credit: Slavia Praha/X)

Heartbreak for Eric Chelle: 21-year-old's dream Super Eagles audition goes wrong against Eberechi Eze, Saka’s Arsenal

Izuchukwu Akawor 12:11 - 05.11.2025

David Moses’ hopes of impressing for a potential Super Eagles call-up took a hit after the 21-year-old suffered an injury against Eze and Saka’s Arsenal.

The growing injury crisis for Eric Chelle’s Super Eagles has suffered another heartbreaking twist ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup playoffs.

Pulse Sports Nigeria reports that promising 21-year-old midfielder David Moses was forced off with an injury during Slavia Praha's Champions League match against Arsenal, a game that served as a major audition for the youngster under national team radar.

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Moses, who is reportedly on Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle's shortlist to strengthen the squad, was replaced by Daiki Hashioka in the 74th minute after suffering an injury following a hard clash.

Before his premature exit, the Nigerian starlet demonstrated his potential, showing flashes of skill and fight against the likes of Arsenal's Eberechi Eze and Bukayo Saka.

David Moses fights Arsenal's Trossard during their Champions League clash. (Photo Credit: Slavia Praha/x)
David Moses fights Arsenal's Trossard during their Champions League clash. (Photo Credit: Slavia Praha/x)

Moses completed 69% of his passes, created one key pass, and contributed defensively with two tackles, two clearances, and two recoveries. His performance showed the all-action midfield presence Chelle is keen to introduce.

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Moses' injury could not come at a worse time for Chelle, who is already grappling with a major selection headache just days before the must-win FIFA World Cup playoff qualifier against Gabon on November 13th.

As reported by Pulse Sports, the Super Eagles camp is currently reeling from a wave of crippling absences across key positions:

Eric Chelle is looking to fortify the Super Eagles for the Playoffs . (Photo Credit: Super Eagles/X)
  • Attack: Forwards Terem Moffi (calf injury) and Cyriel Dessers (ankle injury) are both ruled out.

  • Defence: Reliable centre-backs Semi Ajayi (suspension) and Igoh Ogbu (hamstring injury) are unavailable, while full-back Ola Aina remains a significant doubt.

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Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina out for three months. (Credit: Imago)

Prospect Moses now joins this worrying list, leaving Coach Chelle with major tactical adjustments and replacements to consider as Nigeria pushes for a spot in the intercontinental playoffs and a ticket to the World Cup.

His potential absence is a significant emotional and tactical blow in a week already marred by bad injury news.