Osimhen, Awoniyi, Osho, and Ebuehi set to miss out on Super Eagles next round of international friendlies Against Ghana and Mali respectively.
Several key players, including Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, Taiwo Awoniyi, Gabriel Osho, and Tyronne Ebuehi, have been ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming friendly matches against Ghana and Mali. The Super Eagles camp opened on Tuesday, but these players will miss the games due to various reasons.
Osimhen, who recently won Africa’s Player of the Year award, has been struggling with fitness issues in recent weeks, leading to his exclusion from the matches scheduled for March 22nd and 26th in Marrakech, Morocco.
Awoniyi, who just recovered from a long-term injury, has also been sidelined from the squad.
Tyronne Ebuehi sustained an injury during Empoli’s match against Bologna, adding to the list of absentees. Luton’s Gabriel Osho, who received his first call-up, will also miss out on the games.
Despite these setbacks, Nigeria’s camp in Marrakech is bustling with activity, with 16 players already present for training. Most of these players were part of the squad that competed in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The players currently in camp include Cyril Dessers, Nathan Tella, Simon Moses, Stanley Nwabali, Fisayo Bashiru, Calvin Bassey, Alex Iwobi, Semi Ajayi, Jamiliu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi, Sadiq Umar, Raphael Onyedika, Ademola Lookman, Ojo Olorunleke, Benjamin Tanimu, and Alhassan Yusuf. Additionally, Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Francis Uzoho, Chidozie Awaziem, Frank Onyeka, and Bright Osayi-Samuel are expected to join the camp today.
Assistant coach George Finidi will lead Nigeria during these friendlies following the expiration of former head coach Jose Peseiro’s contract.