Nigeria number one Stanley Nwabali and Luton Town's Gabriel Osho might be unavailable for the Super Eagles in the coming days.
On Saturday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed two upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Mali scheduled for March.
The Super Eagles are set to face Ghana on March 22, followed by a match against Mali four days later.
Following this announcement, the NFF has released a list of 26 players selected for the two upcoming friendlies.
Seven players who represented Nigeria at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024) were omitted from the list.
However, it notably included two new debutants: Gabriel Osho from Luton Town and Benjamin Tanimu from Tanzanian club Ihefu SC, alongside eight returnees.
Among the returnees are Umar Sadiq, Cyriel Dessers, Nathan Tella, Jamilu Collins, Wilfred Ndidi, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tyronne Ebuehi, and Fisayo Dele Bashiru.
Unfortunately for fans of the Super Eagles, there are uncertainties surrounding the availabilities of Nwabali, and new face Osho.
Why are Osho and Nwabali doubtful for the friendlies?
Osho and Nwabali could miss the games against Ghana and Mali due to injuries sustained on Saturday while featuring for their respective clubs.
Nwabali played for Chippa United in their Premier Soccer League (PSL) match against champions Mamelodi Sundowns but was substituted in the 73rd minute after suffering a blow.
Chippa United suffered a 2-0 defeat although they kept the Brazilians largely at bay while Nwabali was in goal. The extent of a suspected knee injury will be determined in the upcoming days.
If he were to miss the games, it would be a significant setback for Nigeria, given Nwabali's crucial role in the Super Eagles team, especially following his standout performances in Ivory Coast during the last AFCON.
Meanwhile, Osho started for Luton in their match against Crystal Palace, which ended in an exciting 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.
However, the 25-year-old defender had to be substituted in the 81st minute for Cauley Woodrow due to an injury that required medical attention.
This setback might temporarily delay his aspirations of making his debut for the Super Eagles.
Uzoho to keep post in Nwabali's absence
As the severity of Chippa United's goalkeeper's injury remains uncertain, preliminary evaluations indicate it could be significant, casting doubt on his availability for the upcoming international match.
With Nwabali's status uncertain, the coaching staff of the Super Eagles are exploring alternative options for the crucial goalkeeper position.
Francis Uzoho is poised to reassume his role as the primary goalkeeper for the team until Nwabali is deemed fully fit to return to action.
Uzoho, a well-known figure in the Super Eagles lineup, relinquished his position to Nwabali during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024).
His only appearance at the tournament came during the match against Cameroon when Nwabali got injured and had to be substituted.
Since receiving his maiden Super Eagles call-up in October 2017, the 25-year-old has recorded 25 appearances for the Super Eagles.
Finidi tasked to take charge of Ghana/ Mali friendlies
With the position of Nigeria coach vacant, and with two friendlies just days away, sources within the NFF suggest that Super Eagles legend George Finidi has been entrusted with leading Nigeria into these games.
Finidi, currently serving as the head coach of Enyimba, previously worked as one of Jose Peseiro's assistants during the Portuguese coach's tenure.
The 52-year-old is expected to hold the fort until a permanent coach is appointed.
