Nigeria has encountered a dual setback with injuries looming over key players in anticipation of the Super Eagles’ forthcoming international friendly matches against Ghana and Mali scheduled for March.
The Nigeria Football Federation has enlisted 26 players for these encounters, introducing two debutants, Gabriel Osho from Luton Town and Benjamin Tanimu representing Tanzanian club Ihefu SC.
Notably, Stanley Nwabali, Nigeria’s primary goalkeeper at the 2023 AFCON, and Napoli star Victor Osimhen lead the list of players called up by the NFF for the games set to take place in Algeria. Seven AFCON participants, including captain Ahmed Musa and the injured vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, were omitted from the roster.
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Six players making a return to the national team include Umar Sadiq, Cyriel Dessers, Nathan Tella, Jamilu Collins, Wilfred Ndidi, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tyronne Ebuehi, and Fisayo Dele Bashiru.
However, concerns arise as Gabriel Osho and Stanley Nwabali may miss the matches against Ghana and Mali due to injuries sustained while representing their respective clubs in England and South Africa. Nwabali was substituted in the 73rd minute during Chippa United’s match against DStv Premier League champions Mamelodi Sundowns after sustaining an injury, while Osho, the newly invited Super Eagles defender, was substituted in the 81st minute during Luton Town’s 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace due to an injury.
In other news, there is support for Nigeria legend Emmanuel Amuneke to succeed Jose Peseiro as the next Super Eagles coach following Peseiro’s departure from the position in February. The new coach will be tasked with guiding the team through the qualifiers for the 2025 AFCON and the 2026 World Cup in North America.