Super Eagles’ medical personnel are working around the clock to get injured goalkeeper Ani Ozoemena and left back, Abdulrafiu Taiwo, ready for tomorrow’s must-win game against Sudan at the ongoing African Nations Championship, held in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya.
Nigeria is playing in Group D of the championship, which is also housing Sudan, Senegal and Congo.The home-based Eagles lost their opening game of the competition 0-1 to defending champions, Senegal, at the Amaan Stadium, where they will meet Sudan in their second game tomorrow.
Last week’s defeat placed the Eagles at the bottom of Group D without a point, following the 1-1 draw between Congo and Sudan. And so, the Eagles must beat Sudan in tomorrow’s game to retain hopes of making the second round of the competition. But that dream is being threatened by injuries to two key players, who just resumed training yesterday.
Sources at the team’s camp told The Guardian that although the duo has started training with their mates, the coaches are worried that their lack of match fitness could hamper their effectiveness against Sudan tomorrow.
“Rivers United’s left back, Taiwo picked up a knock in the game against Senegal, while first-choice goalkeeper, Enyimba’s Ozoemena is still recovering from a knee injury. Though he has started training, a lack of match fitness may deny him a start versus Sudan,” the source said.
He said that the team started preparing for the match against Sudan immediately after their game against Senegal, adding that they would observe a final session this evening to ascertain those ready for the game.
