Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen Taiwo Awoniyi, Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi have been ruled out of Nigeria’s friendly games against Ghana and Mali.
The Super Eagles camp for the game opened on Tuesday. But Osimhen, Africa’s Player of the Year and three other invitees, would miss the matches, according to an update on the team on X.
Osimhen, 25, has struggled with fitness in the past weeks and will not make the 22nd and 26 March friendly matches in Marrakech, Morocco.
Awoniyi who just recovered from a long lay-off has also been sidelined.
Tyronne Ebuehi got injured in Empoli’s match against Bologna. He missed out on Nigeria’s team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. Luton’s Gabriel Osho who just got his first call-up with the three-time African champions would not also make it for the games.
Despite the injury worries, Nigeria’s camp in Marrakech, Morocco is already brimming with 16 players who observed first training session on Tuesday. Most of those already around were part of the team featured at the AFCON.
Cyril Dessers, Nathan Tella, Simon Moses, Stanley Nwabali, Fisayo Bashiru, Calvin Bassey, Iwobi Alex, Semi Ajayi, Jamiliu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Sadiq Umar are now in Camp. Others are; Raphael Onyedika, Ademola Lookman, Ojo Olorunleke, Benjamin Tanimu and Alhassan Yusuf. While Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Francis Uzoho, Chidozie Awaziem Frank Onyeka and Bright Osayi-Samuel are expected to hit the camp today.
The team’s assistant George Finidi will lead Nigeria after former head coach Jose Peseiro’s contract ran out.
