Afcon qualifier: Musa, Echiejile, Omeruo missing as Eagles begin training
The Super Eagles began training ahead of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa’s Bafana Bafana shortly after they arrived in Uyo on Monday. The match will be played at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in the Akwa Ibom State capital.
Elderson Echiejile, Kenneth Omeruo and Ahmed Musa were not part of the gymnasium workouts as they are expected to arrive at the national team’s camp on Tuesday.
Spokesman for the Eagles Toyin Ibitoye, who confirmed the development, said the other 21 players were in camp.
Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr gave an indication that they would exploit set-pieces in the encounter as his assistant Yusuf Salisu focused on Manchester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho during their practice.
The Eagles are expected to train at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium twice daily before facing 1996 African champions Bafana, who have never won in their 11 competitive games against Nigeria since 1992.
Meanwhile, Bafana have been hit by injuries ahead of their trip to Nigeria.
Reports on Monday said seven of their players were carrying injuries after assessments by the doctor.
With replacements unlikely before the qualifier, Bafana team doctor Thulani Ngwenya assured South Africa manager Stuart Baxter that the players would be treated, according to Kickoff.com.
“Lebogang Mnayama has a right-knee injury, which is actually one he has been carrying for a some time while receiving treatment, and we will continue to monitor and treat him,” Kickoff.com quoted Ngwenya as saying.
“Andile Jali picked up an injury to his right-side groin muscle during his side’s last game and because he had to fly in for camp, he hasn’t received any treatment. We will begin treatment and expect some improvement.
“Tokelo Rantie also got injured in his last game with his club, he has a bone contusion on his right-side big toe, which we will be treating. He is also carrying an injury to his right knee, which requires a scan.” Punch
