The refusal of the players of the senior national team of Nigeria to train yesterday as a way of protest over unpaid bonuses has forced head coach, Eric Chelle into changing his plans for tomorrow’s game against Gabon in the world cup qualifiers playoff, OwnGoalNigeria.com can exclusively reveal.
Yesterday the players refused to step out for what would have been their first tactical training session ahead of the all important game against Gabon, denying the coach the chance to try out something new and also guage the players readiness.
It means he will now revert to almost the same formation and lineup that got the 4-0 win over Benin Republic, with the suspended Semi Ajayi replaced by Bright Osayi-Samuel who will play at right back for Benjamin Fredrick to pair Calvin Bassey in attack.
Another source from the team’s camp also said if the impasse isn’t resolved on time. They will likely boycott today’s game bringing an end to the aspirations of making it to the world cup. A tournament that only three players in the current team have experienced before.
Captain William Troost-Ekong tops the list with Alex Iwobi and Wilfred Ndidi completing it.
