Super Eagles duo of William Troost-Ekong and Jamilu Collins have been ruled out of the reversed international friendly fixture between Nigeria and Cameroon after picking up injuries in the 1-0 defeat to the Indomitable Lions.
Andre Anguissa’s first-half strike condemned Gernot Rohr’s men to their first defeat in six games at the Stadion Wienner in Austria on Friday.
With the next game billed for Tuesday, 8 June, Rohr may have to come up with a quick and of course, best possible solution to the Eagles’ back line which has been dealt a fresh blow with the latest injury update on Ekong and Collins.
While Ekong limped off as he was substituted in the 90th minute, Collins played the entire duration of the game.
Rohr revealed that the pair will not be in action for the second game and that the absence of both players could create a difficult situation on Tuesday.
“But I saw interesting things, we had good integration of some new players, three of them played for the first time. We lost two players to injury and it will be difficult for the second game because Troost-Ekong and Collins are out and now we have to manage the difficult situation. But it is an opportunity to play with three defenders and to change a little bit with the system and try something different that’s why we are happy to have the second game.”
The win was Cameroon’s first in 21 years against their perennial foes and coach of the five-time African Champions, Antonio Conceição said he was pleased with the performance of his players.
“The arrival of young players brings competitiveness. The team is strong and motivated. We have the big core of the team that will play the next round with Cameroon ,”
Conceiçao said after the game.
“The group is living well and they have welcomed the new arrivals. I am satisfied with all the services they have shown me in terms of training, I am very confident that he gives us a good response on the pitch. “
