The eager anticipation surrounding Nigeria’s forthcoming friendly encounters against Ghana and Mali was tempered by the news of Victor Osimhen from Napoli and Taiwo Awoniyi representing Nottingham Forest being among the players ruled out of contention.
The commencement of the Super Eagles’ training camp on Tuesday marked the onset of preparation, albeit marred by the absence of Africa’s Player of the Year, Osimhen. The team’s social media platform conveyed the disappointing news, attributing Osimhen’s exclusion to persistent fitness issues that have plagued the 25-year-old in recent times.
Despite Osimhen’s commendable performances, his unavailability for the scheduled friendly matches on the 22nd and 26th of March poses a significant setback to the team’s roster.
Nevertheless, Osimhen is not the solitary casualty of injury. Awoniyi, who only recently recuperated from an extended period on the sidelines, finds himself sidelined once more, alongside Gabriel Osho and Tyronne Ebuehi.
In light of the absence of key personnel, the responsibility of leading Nigeria in the upcoming international friendlies against Ghana and Mali falls upon the shoulders of the team’s assistant coach, George Finidi. Tasked with steering the squad through these formidable challenges, Finidi assumes a pivotal role in ensuring the team’s preparedness and performance on the field.
