Osimhen, Awoniyi ruled out as Nigeria’s camp opens for Ghana, Mali games

Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Taiwo Awoniyi of Nottingham Forest were among the players ruled out of Nigeria’s friendly games against Ghana and Mali.

The Super Eagles camp for the game opened on Tuesday. But Osimhen, Africa’s Player of the Year, would miss the matches, according to an update on the team’s social media page.

Osimhen, 25, has struggled with fitness in the past weeks and will not make the 22nd and 26 March friendly matches.

He is not the only one out of the games due to injury. Awoniyi who just recovered from a long lay-off has also been sidelined.

Tyronne Ebuehi was injured in Empoli’s match against Bologna. He missed out on Nigeria’s team at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire. Luton’s Gabriel Osho who just got his first call-up with the three-time African champions would not also make it for the games.

Despite the injury worries, Nigeria’s camp in Marrakech, Morrocco is already brimming with players. Most of those already around were part of the team featured at the AFCON.

Cyril Dessers, Nathan Tella, Simon Moses, Stanley Nwabali, Fisayo Bashiru, Calvin Bassey, Iwobi Alex, Semi Ajayi, Jamiliu Collins, Bruno Onyemaechi, and Sadiq Umar are now in camp. More players are expected to team up with them ahead of the matches.

The team’s assistant George Finidi will lead Nigeria after former head coach Jose Peseiro’s contract ran out,

The search for his replacement is already underway.

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Thomas Partey will not make the team for the Nigerian match.

The Arsenal man is just recovering from injury and asked to be excused to gain full fitness.

Joseph Painstil is also out owing to “his move to the United States.

As a result of his move to the United States, there are some further immigration documentation procedures he must embark upon which is why he is unable to travel outside the United States until the process is completed,” the Ghana Football Association (GFA) said.

Inaki Williams also “pulled out the games to have some rest and fully recover from recent injury setbacks,” according to the GFA.