Las Palmas midfielder Oghenekaro Etebo is doubtful for the Super Eagles match against Serbia in London on Tuesday, March 27, after sitting out the team’s first training session on Sunday, March, 25. The former U-23 international was missing in midfield when Nigeria took on Poland as Joel Obi, Ogenyi Onazi, John Ogu and Wilfried Ndidi all made appearances in the 1-0 win on Friday, March, 23.
The Super Eagles Twitter handle revealed that Etebo missed the game against Poland because of injury as a result of which he did not join the rest of his teammates as he may not have recovered from the injury. However, the trio of Junior Ajayi, Gabriel Okechukwu and Mikel Agu who also missed the win at Wrocaw, were part of the practice session on Sunday.
“Our first training session at the Barnet FC Stadium in London went smoothly. New arrivals Junior Ajayi, Gabriel Okechukwu, Mikel Agu were actively involved but Oghenekaro Etebo was on the sidelines,” the Super Eagles handle explained. The Super Eagles will be hoping to replicate the win against Poland when they face another eastern European side, Serbia, at The Hive. Victor Moses’ stroke of brilliance won a penalty for the Gernot Rohr’s side, and the Chelsea man converted the spot-kick with the easiest of finishes. The men in Green will also have friendlies in the coming months against DR Congo in Uyo in May as a senthforth match before playing England and the Czech Republic in June.
Tosin Kehinde makes bold step in playing for Nigeria
Manchester United Tosin Kehinde is set to pledge his allegiance for Nigeria as he was photographed shaking hands with Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr ahead of their London friendly with Serbia. Rohr recently extended open invitations to players abroad who had Nigerian traits, and the United U-23 player has made a bold step in determining his future. Kehinde expressed his gratitude to his Nigerian supporters last month, and felt confident he was close to making his United senior debut.
“It feels good to have that kind of support back home. “I’ve come close on occasion. All I need to do is continue to work hard. “Of course I’d be elated to play at the World Cup. It’s every footballers dream. Playing at any level for Nigeria would bring me pride. But I believe in myself enough to know I can bring something great to the Super Eagles first team,” he said.
Kehinde trained with the United first-team earlier this season and has played 15 times for the Under-23 in the Premier League 2. His strike at Chelsea in September was nominated for the club’s goal of the month competition. Victor Moses converted a penalty kick that handed the Super Eagles a morale boosting 1-0 victory over Poland. Gabriel Okechukwu, Mikel Agu and Junior Ajayi are all expected to make an appearance at The Hive where the Super Eagles will square up against the Serbian national team.
By Mercy Kukah
