Super Eagles duo Samuel Chukwueze and Ikechukwu Ezenwa are doubtful for next month’s 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Anaedoonline.ng reports.
The Eagles, who lead Group L with eight points from four games, play Benin on March 22 in Cotonou, before taking on Lesotho eight days later at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos.
Chukwueze, who recently underwent a groin surgery, is not fully fit for the game, according to Eagles coach Gernot Rohr.
“Some players are injured like Chukwueze, I hope he will be ready before the end of March,” Rohr told newsmen.
“The fittest players will be invited for the games in March. For Chukwuze, the recovery time is short I hope to have him in the squad but we have Chidera Ejuke, who is also doing well. It’s important to have our wingers fit 100 per cent because our system is based on pace on the wings.
On Ezenwa, Rohr added, “Ezenwa unfortunately did not play the last two matches for Heartland. So, it will be difficult for him. Maduka Okoye was our first choice in our last match but we cannot say what happen in the future.”
Ezenwa has conceded 11 goals in six appearances for Heartland in the Nigerian Professional Football League this term.
“At the moment Maduka Okoye is the favourite for the No.1 spot. He did well in the games he played for us and he has played all the matches for Sparta Rotterdam so far this season in Holland. We also have Francis Uzoho, who has returned from an injury setback and he is also playing; we are happy to see him again.
“There is also Daniel Akpeyi doing well in South Africa. I think the goalkeeping department is moving in the right direction. We won’t have any problem in future with these young goalkeepers.”
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