By Victor Kanayo
Nigeria’s senior men National team coach, Jose Peseiro, has replaced the duo of Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina who sustained injuries while playing for their respective clubs in Europe.
Both players who play professional football for Nottingham Forest were initially among those invited to prosecute international friendly matches between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, then Mozambique, slated for Portugal on October 13 and 16, 2023 respectively.
They did not feature in Forest’s goalless draw away to Crystal Palace on Saturday.
Prior to the game at Selhurst Park, Forest manager Steve Cooper revealed that Awoniyi will be out for up to one month with groin injury.
Awoniyi has scored three goals in seven league appearances while Aina, a defender has made five outings in the English topflight this current term after joining newly.
In their places, Umar Sadiq and Tyronne Ebuehi have been drafted as fitting replacements
Also, Chidozie Awaziem has been called up as replacement for Jamilu Collins for the friendlies.
Collins’ withdrawal from the 25-man squad was announced on the Super Eagles X handle on Monday. Though, no reason was given for his withdrawal.
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The Cardiff City left-back is the third Super Eagles player to pull out of the friendly games.
