The Super Eagles of Nigeria will prosecute their upcoming 2026 world cup qualifiers games against South Africa and Benin Republic respectively without the services of the African Player Of The Year Victor Osimhen.
Osimhen has been an injury doubt in the build up to the game despite making his return for Napoli after two weeks out with a muscular injury in their last game of the season against Lecce.
Many expected him to be available after his role as a substitute last weekend, but the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) in an announcement on their official social media handles said he won’t be available for both games, and he has been subsequently replaced in the team.
His spot has been given to young enterprising Enugu Rangers left back Kenneth Igboke. The idea is to address the fact that no natural left back was named in the 25 man list for the game which had six defenders.
Below is the amended list of players expected to hit the camp of the team on Sunday in Uyo.
EAGLES FOR BAFANA, CHEETAHS BATTLES
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United, South Africa); Maduka Okoye (Udinese FC, Italy); Ojo Olorunleke (Enyimba FC)
Defenders: Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista FC, Portugal); Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce FC, Turkey); Sadiq Ismael (Remo Stars FC); Oluwasemilogo Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England); Calvin Bassey (Fulham FC, England); Benjamin Tanimu (Ihefu SC, Tanzania), Kenneth Igboke (Enugu Rangers).
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City, England); Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge, Belgium); Alhassan Yusuf Abdullahi (Royal Antwerp FC, Belgium); Frank Onyeka (Brentford FC, England); Alex Iwobi (Fulham FC, England); Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Hatayspor, Turkey)
Forwards: Nathan Tella (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England); Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy); Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor FC, Turkey); Ademola Lookman (Atalanta FC, Italy); Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany); Terem Moffi (OGC Nice, France)
