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Published 1 June 2021
No fewer than 11 Super Eagles players have pulled out of Friday’s international friendly against Cameroon in Austria, The PUNCH reports.
Coach Gernot Rohr initially selected a 31-man squad, before reducing the list of players to 23 last week.
However, that number has been dwindling over the last few days, leaving Rohr scrambling to find replacements in time for the game.
Kenneth Omeruo, Sadiq Umar, Frank Onyeka, Victor Osimhen, Semi Ajayi, Kevin Akpoguma, Zaidu Sanusi, Moses Simon, Simy Nwankwo, Ola Aina and Tyrone Ebuehi have all pulled out of the game, according to Rohr.
While the official reason for the other withdrawals have been medical, player sources told ESPN that outstanding debts owed by the Nigeria Football Federation have played a big part on their unwillingness to risk further injury.
’Tosin Oluwalowo Published 28 May 2021Former Super Eagles players have frowned on Gernot Rohr’s decision inclusion of Galatasaray defender Valentine Ozornwafor in the Eagles squad for next month’s international friendly against Cameroon in Austria, The PUNCH reports.Ozornwafor was called up for the game despite his lack of playing time in the Turkish topflight in the just-concluded season.It is the first time in two years he would be making a.
’Tosin Oluwalowo Published 28 May 2021Former Super Eagles players have frowned on Gernot Rohr’s decision inclusion of Galatasaray defender Valentine Ozornwafor in the Eagles squad for next month’s international friendly against Cameroon in Austria, The PUNCH reports.Ozornwafor was called up for the game despite his lack of playing time in the Turkish topflight in the just-concluded season.It is the first time in two years he would be making a.
Unfortunately, that ambition suffered an early setback as Halil Dervisoglu put the visitors ahead in the 22nd minute. The forward who is on loan from Brentford headed a well-taken corner kick from Gedson Fernandes past goalkeeper Abdulkadir Sunger.
Ten minutes before the half-time break, Ryan Babel doubled their advantage from the penalty spot following Muhammet Ozkal’s challenge on him in the box.
Akbaba could have given Galatasaray a three-goal advantage but his shot from the penalty spot in the 42nd minute was saved by Sunger.
Already demoted to the second tier, Denizlispor put up an improved performance in the second half. That paid off in the 62nd minute as Recep Niyaz reduced the deficit.