CIV v Ngr: Gambo Mohammed, others dropped

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has dropped six players including injured striker Gambo Mohammed for this weekend’s African Nations Championship clash in Cote d’Ivoire.

Mohammed, who opened scoring when the Eagles ‘B’ defeated Cote d’Ivoire 4-1 in the first leg in Kaduna, has been nursing injury. He is best remembered for his famous miss against Spain at the recent FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil.

On Wednesday Super Eagles officials said the attacker, sidelined by a muscle injury, could be out for at least six weeks, officials have announced.

Keshi told MTNfootball, “It’s a pity that Gambo got injured two days ago. He has a muscle tear or something and with what the doctor told me last night, he is out for six week. That’s is a big blow.

“I would want every of our good player to be fit for this game against Cote d’Ivoire. Any other player that would fill his shoes would surely give his best.”

Another injured striker Haruna Babalo from El Kanemi Warriors was also dropped. Nigeria league leading scorer Dele Olorundare will also not make Thursday’s trip to Abidjan, so too Jiya Mohammed (Bayelsa United), Ganiyu Ogungbe (Kwara United) and Ezekiel Bassey (Lobi Stars).

In their absence Flying Eagles striker Alhaji Gero and Kano Pillars playmaker Rabiu Ali will make the final 18-man squad. Gero was among the goals scorers as Eagles ‘B’ beat TAEP FC 2-0 in a warm-up game on Tuesday in Abuja.

The Enugu Rangers striker was barely three minutes on the pitch when he scored the opener in the 48th minute after coming in as a second-half substitute for Ezekiel Mba.

The final squad:  

Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers), Daniel Akpeyi (Heartland)

Defenders: Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Godfrey Oboabona, Kwambe Solomon, Kunle Odunlami (Sunshine Stars), Chibuzor Okonkwo (Enugu Rangers), Benjamin Francis (Heartland)

Midfielders: Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers), Rabiu Ali (Kano Pillars), Oladapo Olufemi (Shooting Stars), Ayo Saka (Enyimba)

Strikers: Gomo Onduku (Bayelsa United), Ifeanyi Edeh (Enyimba), Ezekiel Mbah (Akwa United), Abdullahi Gero (Enugu Rangers), Etebo Oghene, Osadinye Joseph (Warri Wolves).