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As Nigeria gear up for March friendlies against Ghana and Mali, they will be without key individuals
As the Super Eagles of Nigeria prepare to resume action in an upcoming friendly encounter against Ghana and Mali, they face a significant setback with the absence of several key players due to injuries.
These players, including some prominent names in Nigerian football, will be sorely missed as the team aims to maintain their momentum from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Here's a closer look at each player who will be sidelined for the Jollof derby and friendly match against Mali.
Victor Osimhen
Victor Osimhen, the star striker known for his exceptional performances, is set to miss out on the upcoming fixtures due to ongoing fitness concerns.
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Despite his noteworthy display at the AFCON, where he played a pivotal role in Nigeria's success, Osimhen has been grappling with injuries, hindering his availability for the forthcoming matches.
Taiwo Awoniyi
Another notable absence from the Super Eagles squad is Nottingham Forest forward Taiwo Awoniyi.
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Having recently made a comeback from a prolonged injury layoff, Awoniyi's setback comes as a disappointment for both the player and the team, as they had hoped to capitalize on his talents and contributions on the field.
Victor Boniface
Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface, who has been striving to regain match fitness following a lengthy spell on the sidelines, will also miss out on the upcoming friendly encounters.
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Despite his efforts to recover in time for the matches, Boniface's return to training has not been sufficient to secure his inclusion in the squad.
Tyronne Ebuehi
Defender Tyronne Ebuehi's aspirations to represent the Super Eagles in the upcoming matches were dashed when he sustained an injury during a league fixture for Empoli.
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The partial tear to his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) has sidelined him for the remainder of the season, depriving the team of his defensive prowess and contributions.
Paul Onuachu
Striker Paul Onuachu, known for his goal-scoring prowess, has also been sidelined due to injury woes.
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Following his return to club duties after the AFCON, Onuachu suffered a setback, facing a period of absence from the pitch as he recuperates from a fracture on his arm.
Gabriel Osho
Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho, who had hoped to feature for the Super Eagles in the upcoming fixtures, finds himself sidelined due to injury concerns.
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Despite efforts to downplay the severity of his injury, Osho's recovery timeline has not aligned with the international window, leaving him unable to join the squad.
Zaidu Sanusi
FC Porto's Zaidu Sanusi, who recently represented Nigeria at the AFCON, has been ruled out of contention for the upcoming matches due to injury.
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Despite his return to club action, Sanusi suffered a significant setback in his first game back, effectively sidelining him from national team duties for the foreseeable future.
William Troost-Ekong
Vice-captain William Troost-Ekong's absence will be keenly felt by the Super Eagles, as the defender's resilience and leadership qualities were instrumental in Nigeria's AFCON campaign.
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While Troost-Ekong aims to make a comeback later in the season after undergoing surgery, his absence from the upcoming matches presents a challenge for the team's defensive lineup.
With these key players unavailable for selection, the Super Eagles face a formidable task ahead as they prepare to take on Ghana and Mali. Despite the setbacks, the Nigerian team will rely on the depth of their squad and the resilience of their remaining players to deliver competitive performances in the absence of their sidelined counterparts.
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