Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr has invited Akwa United forward Ndifreke Effiong as a late replacement for Ola Aina for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixture against Seychelles and the friendly game against the Pharaohs of Egypt, Completesports.com reports.
Torino defender Aina withdrew from the squad on Sunday citing injury for his action.
Aina was in action for Torino in their 3-2 home defeat to Bologna at the Stade Olimpico on Saturday night.
He was sent off for a rash tackle on an opponent deep into injury time in the game.
His replacement, Effiong was on target for Akwa United in their 2-1 away win against Heartland in a Nigeria Professional Football League matchday-11 encounter at the Okigwe Township Stadium on Sunday.
He scored the opening goal for the Promise Keepers in the encounter, his fifth goal of the campaign.
The former Abia Warriors star who was part of the U-23 Eagles team that won bronze medal at the Rio 2016 Olympic games joined goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Valentine Ozornwafor and Ikouwen Udoh as the four home-based players in the squad.
Rohr also handed Enyimba defender Ikouwen Udoh a late invitation this week for both games.
The Super Eagles are expected to begin full preparations for the two games in Asaba on Tuesday.
The three-time African champions who are already through to Egypt 2019 will face Seychelles in the dead rubber clash on Saturday, March 23rd at the Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba, before facing Egypt three days later at the venue.
By Adeboye Amosu
1 Comment
Could the NFF have waited until the conclusion of matches before calling up a replacement for Ola Aina?
“There is confusion over the late call-up handed to Akwa United defender Ndifreke Effiong by the Nigeria Football Federation on Sunday, as replacement for the injured Ola Aina.
Akwa United confirmed on Sunday that Effiong suffered an injury in their Nigeria Professional Football League clash at Heartland, an injury which led to his substitution in the early stages of the second half.
The 20-year-old had to be attended to by medics after he got injured as he attempted to make contact with a cross delivered into the vital area by Brazilian midfielder Alberico Da Silva.
Effiong was having a good game prior to his injury-enforced substitution, scoring the opener as early as the third minute after he was set up by Mfon Udoh.
The in-form fullback merited a call-up to the Super Eagles as that goal was his fifth of the season but has to undergo tests to determine the extent of the injury and his availability to the national team.
The 23 players called up for the two games against Seychelles and Egypt are expected to start reporting for international duty on Monday, March 18.