Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr has lamented the injuries and suspension that have robbed him of four of his regulars for today’s crucial 2019 AFCON qualifier against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, but he is comforted that the situation has presented opportunities for some other performers to step onto the runway.
First choice goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, wing back Abdullahi Shehu and forward Odion Ighalo – top goal scorer in the 2019 AFCON qualifying race with six goals – are not in South Africa as a result of injury, while lion –hearted midfielder Wilfred Ndidi is suspended after cards against Seychelles and Libya.
“Yes, we have a number of injuries and one suspension. But we cannot continue to talk about that. We must look at the personnel with us now and see the situation as opportunity for them to step up and prove what they can do.
“I am happy we have a young team determined to achieve. Everyone here is good enough to represent Nigeria and they will go in there and do the job.”
Nigeria’s 23-man squad for this game includes former U-17 World Cup winners, Kelechi Iheanacho, Isaac Success, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze, who, amongst them, must step up for the main striker’s mantle in the forced absence of Ighalo. Read more