Three ex-Flying Eagles stars whose promising careers are threatened by injuries, indiscipline

The Super Eagles of Nigeria did not qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar and some players are considered as unlikely to be around when the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada come around.   

With the cycle of players expected to change (not rapidly though, due to the need for experience) within four and six years in international football, some former youth internationals are expected to step up. 

Unfortunately, there are youngsters whose careers are heading for the cliff unless there is an upturn in fortune. 

Allnigeriasoccer.com presents three Nigerian players who fall into this group. 

1. Orji Okonkwo 

Former Flying Eagles forward Orji Okonkwo is currently serving a four-year suspension from the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) after being found guilty of a doping violation. 

Okonkwo was once considered as the next big thing in Nigerian football and scored a fantastic goal in the MLS that had lot of people take notice of his potential.

“Chairperson of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, Jorge Ivan Palacio affirmed that the player had been cited properly, he has had the opportunity to state his case.

“The decision has been communicated properly, the decision complies with the regulations of FIFA and extending the sanctions does not conflict with public order or with accepted standards of behavior," a statement from the Nigeria Football Federation read regarding the FIFA sanction. 

2. Tom  Dele-Bashiru 

Another former Flying Eagles star, Tom Dele-Bashiru, has not really fulfilled his well known talent. 

Sadly, the Watford player could face a lengthy period of time on the treatment table with an ankle ligament injury at Swansea, last week Friday and was not available on Monday when they pipped Norwich City at Carrow Road. 

Injury has not been kind to the youngster and if it continues this way, that could impact on his long-term success in the game. 

3. Kingsley Michael 

Former Flying Eagles and Super Eagles midfielder, Kingsley Michael, is another player whose career is under serious threat by niggling injuries. 

Between 2021 and 2022, Michael has suffered from fibula and muscular injuries as well as strain in the rectus femoris. 

The player is seriously talented but fitness issues have been his undoing and it remains to be seen what the next few years holds for him. 

Izuchukwu Michael
 

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