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…Nwabali also uncertain for clashes
By: Ebenezer Bajela
Barely a few hours after he was handed his first international call-up by the Nigeria Football Federation for the Super Eagles friendly games against Ghana and Mali, Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho’s dreams of donning the famous green and white jersey have been thrown into doubt, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
Osho was dealt a heavy blow after picking up an injury in the Hatters’ English Premier League 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park on Saturday.
The Eagles are scheduled to face archrivals Ghana March 22 before squaring up against Mali four days later at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.
The NFF, on Saturday, released a roster of 27 players who will represent the country in the international friendlies.
While retaining the bulk of the squad that finished as runners-up at the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, the federation handed invites to Osho and Tanzania-based Benjamin Tanimu.
The Luton defender is now anxiously waiting to see if he can make his debut for the country after he was withdrawn in the 81st minute and replaced by Cauley Woodrow after suffering an injury.
While the Premier League relegation-threatened club are yet to give any update on the extent of the player’s injury, he remains a doubt for the friendly games.
Also, goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali, is also a major doubt for the international friendlies after he was substituted during the game involving Chippa United and champions, Mamelodi Sundowns, in the Premier Soccer League on Saturday.
The 27-year-old was taken off the pitch in the 73rd minute of the encounter after he suffered what appeared to be a knee injury.
According to the club, the severity of the injury will be ascertained in the coming days.
Meanwhile, England-based defender Jamilu Collins, as well as Empoli FC of Italy’s Tyronne Ebuehi and Glasgow Rangers’ forward Cyriel Dessers were recalled to the squad for the encounters.
Midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi, who missed the continental tournament in Ivory Coast, returns from injury, while Bayer Leverkusen of Germany’s Nathan Tella and Turkey-based Fisayo Dele-Bashiru have fresh opportunities to stake claims to permanent shirts.