Nigeria's caretaker boss Augustine Eguavoen has made it clear that he's not losing sleep over the absence of Wilfred Ndidi for the 2022 World Cup playoff versus Ghana, saying he has several players who can step into the shoes of the Leicester City holding midfielder.
In the last ten matches Ndidi was not in the squad,
the Super Eagles have managed to win only two games, drawn six and lost
twice.
Without Ndidi available for selection, the Super Eagles defeated Cape Verde and Central African Republic in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, played draws against Sierra Leone (2) in 2021 AFCON qualifying, Tunisia, Ukraine, Zimbabwe and Uganda in friendlies, while their loses were against Central African Republic and Algeria.
The former Racing Genk ace was forced to withdraw from the 25-man Super Eagles roster after tests revealed that he suffered a serious knee injury during the Europa Conference League match against Rennes last Thursday.
Eguavoen handed a late call-up to Lorient ace Innocent Bonke as a replacement for Ndidi and he can also call upon other defensive midfielders Frank Onyeka, Oghenekaro Etebo and Joe Aribo for the games against the Black Stars.
West Brom's Semi Ajayi and Omonia Nicosia's Abdullahi Shehu, who are defenders, are capable of playing as defensive midfielders, should the need arise.
Speaking at Wednesday's pre-match press conference, Eguavoen stated : "We wish Wilfred Ndidi speedy recovery, he's an important player for our national team but it's not going to change anything.
"We have a couple of players who can play in that position and they've been watching him. The philosophy will not change, the style of play will not change, only personnel will change a little bit.
"I am not going to tell you who is going to take over from him because we have a lot to pick from."
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
Copyright ANS
All rights reserved. This material, and other
digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published,
rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express
written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com
Former Arsenal forward Paul Merson has heaped praise on Samuel Chukwueze after the Nigerian winger scored a stunning goal in Fulham's 2-1 comeback victory over Brighton, likening it to Thierry Henry's...
Samuel Chukwueze scored on his return from the Africa Cup of Nations as Fulham defeated Brighton 2-1 in their Premier League Round 23 match at Craven Cottage on Saturday.Brighton opened the scoring in...
Super Eagles midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has emerged as a transfer target for Championship side West Bromwich Albion ahead of the close of the winter transfer window, according to Italian newspaper...
Through official channels, Kazakhstan Premier League club Kaysar Kyzylorda have announced the signing of 2013 Africa Cup of Nations-winning forward Victor Moses. Now a midfielder, Moses was ...
January 24, 2026
🍪 Cookie Preferences
We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. Choose your preference:
Comments 0
Leave a Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to comment!