Nigeria’s defensive lineup may face a significant shake-up after two key Super Eagles players missed a recovery training session as head coach Eric Chelle prepares his squad for Tuesday’s international friendly against Jordan.
The Super Eagles head into the match on the heels of a 2-1 win over Iran on Friday.
Recall that Akor Adams and Moses Simon found the net to secure the victory for the 2025 AFCON bronze medalists.
With that fixture behind them, Chelle’s men have turned their full attention to their second international friendly of the international break against Jordan.
However, Chelle could be forced to make do without two key defenders: Hull City’s Semi Ajayi and Slavia Prague’s Igoh Ogbu.
During the Iran clash, Ajayi was substituted at halftime, with Emmanuel Fernandez coming on in his place. The reason for the change was not disclosed following the match.
Ogbu, who also started, was substituted in the 56th minute after appearing to sustain an injury.
He was replaced by debutant Chibuike Nwaiwu. The full extent of Ogbu’s issue has yet to be made public.
But recovery footage released by the Super Eagles’ media team on Saturday showed the squad in training, but both Ajayi and Ogbu were notably absent from the clip.
Nine players of the starting eleven from the Iran game took part in light jogging exercises, but the two absent starters were Ajayi and Ogbu.
Still, their absence from Saturday’s session may simply be a precaution aimed at avoiding further complications.
However, with training sessions scheduled for Sunday and Monday ahead of Tuesday’s encounter with Jordan, there remains a possibility that both defenders could be available for selection.
