William Troost-Ekong and Kenneth Omeruo, Super Eagles defenders have added to Coach Gernot Rohr’s injury worries after both players limped out of their league games in Europe on Saturday.
Though the magnitude of the duo’s injuries is yet to be ascertained, it comes as a blow to the German manager as the Eagles face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana in their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifying match away from home next month.
New Udinese signing Troost-Ekong was replaced by Ghanaian Nicholas Opoku in the 35th minute after the central defender limped off from the Dacia Arena, as the Zebrette were beaten 3-0 by visitors and title contenders Napoli on Saturday.
The Nigeria international has been in fine form in the Serie A and has played in all league games since his arrival from Turkish side Bursaspor.
The 25-year-old also missed out from the AFCON qualifier against Group E whipping boys Seychelles in September.
Omeruo’s first La Liga start for Leganes ended in nightmare as the centre-back, on loan from Chelsea, was replaced by Raul Garcia in the 70th minute after copping an injury in their 1-1 away draw against Valencia at the Estadio de Mestalla.
The former Middlesbrough player’s injury may not be serious as he took to the social media to express his desire to feature for the Cucumber Growers in their next La Liga tie.
“Good to have my first start in LaLiga,” Omeruo posted on Instagram. “Tough game, so proud of my teammates for the efforts they put in. Time to rest well and recover for the next game.”
Galatasaray striker Henry Onyekuru is also doubtful for the encounter against the South Africans after he picked up an injury in the Eagles’ 3-2 defeat of Libya’s Mediterranean Knights in Sfax, Tunisia, last Tuesday.
Onyekuru, who is on loan at the Turkish side from Premier League club Everton, has been ruled out of action for up to six weeks.
After a shock 2-0 home defeat to Bafana Bafana last year, the Eagles bounced back to win their following three qualifiers to lead Group E with nine points. Second-place South Africa are on eight points while Libya are third with four points. Seychelles occupy bottom position with one point after holding Bafana Bafana to a barren draw at home in their last qualifying fixture.
Meanwhile, Eagles midfielder John Ogu has disclosed in a post on Instagram that his agent Hootan Ahmadi has opened talks with Hapoel Beer Sheva over a contract extension.
The 30 year-old is in the final year of his deal at the Israeli club he joined in 2014.
He posted, “@hootanacan (Ogu’s agent Hootan Ahmadi) has started discussion with the club to renew my contract and he has told me the club are also keen for me to stay.
“These things are never in black and white and it takes time. Please be patient with both me and the club, I hope I’m sure we will reach an agreement to keep me here, that is fair for the club, but also reflective of commitment and service to Beer Sheva.”
Credit: punchng.com
