Demola Ojo
One half of Nigeria’s famed ‘Oyinbo Wall’, William Troost Ekong, is doubtful for Monday’s international friendly between Nigeria and DR Congo. Troost-Ekong has formed a formidable and dependable partnership in the heart of Nigeria’s defence alongside Leon Balogun.
The Super Eagles have been hit with a few injuries with Belgium-based Moses Simon already ruled out of the tie. Simon sat out Friday morning’s training on the sidelines with a big ice pack on his thigh, as well as close attention from the medical staff, while Wilfred Ndidi continued his special training on the sidelines but participated in a light workout with the rest of the team later in the training session.
Troost-Ekong went under the Masseur’s treatment and it is not sure if he would be fit in time for the game in Port Harcourt.
Meanwhile, Super Eagles assistant coach, Salisu Yusuf, says the game is not a do-or-die affair, so Nigerians should not be under any pressure.
The former Enyimba handler said he was sure it would help the Super Eagles to boost their preparation for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.
“It is a friendly match and it is not a do or die affair,†Yusuf who led the Super Eagles’ B team against Atletico Madrid in Monday’s game in Uyo said, according to Complete Sports.
“The players know that there is nothing at stake in the match and for us the coaches, it is just a continuation of our preparations for the World Cup.
“Nobody should be under any pressure, we are playing DR Congo for us to bring the players together and to know the fitness level of the players after the European season. This is also an opportunity for the fans, I mean Nigerians to see the team before we move to Russia.
“Almost all the players are in camp except Moses who has also taken permission, and what this means to us is that we are on course for the World Cup.â€
Nigeria’s next game after playing DR Congo is England at Wembley Stadium on June 2.
The Super Eagles will thereafter enter into the final phase of camping in Austria and the final 23-man squad will prosecute their last pre-World Cup international friendly match against Czech Republic on June 6 before heading to their World Cup team-base camp in Essentuki, Russia.
