December 31, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been forced to make alterations to the initial squad sheet for the Super Eagles’ team to the TotalEnergies 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), calling up four replacements for four players who have become unavailable.
Currently, Shehu Abdullahi of Omonia Nicosia, Victor Osimhen of Napoli, Leon Balogun of Glasgow Rangers, and Emmanuel Dennis of Watford have all been ruled out of the Cameroon tournament owing to a combination of injuries, COVID-19, and non-release by their European teams.
The NFF waved a white flag instead of forcing the issue by allowing English Premier League side Watford to keep possession of its top player Dennis, who has been replaced on the squad by Peter Olayinka of Slavia Prague.
Gers’ centre-back Balogun failed to recuperate in time from an unexplained injury sustained in a Cup match against Hibernian on November 21, prompting the call-up of West Brom central defender Semi Ajayi.
Then, Osimhen’s testing positive for coronavirus this week unfortunately implies that the prolific forward will not lead the Super Eagles attack at AFCON next month. His absence is a plus for Olympiakos winger Henry Onyekuru, who takes his place.
Finally, Shehu has been replaced by Benfica-based full-back Tyronne Ebuehi, after Shehu suffered an injury in Omonia Nicosia’s 4-2 loss to APOEL in the derby on Boxing Day.
Goalkeepers John Noble and Daniel Akpeyi are among six roster invitees who have already reported for international duty in Abuja, prior to the Super Eagles’ travel to Cameroon next week. Others include Chidera Ejuke, Olisa Ndah, Umar Saiq, and Taiwo Awoniyi.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
