Carl Ikeme will not be part of the Super Eagles that will travel to Alexandria for Tuesday’s game with Egypt, the NFF has announced.
The 29-year-old missed the team’s training at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna on Saturday evening and media officer Toyin Ibitoye told Goal that the player needed some rest.
However, it has now been confirmed that the goalkeeper has stomach upset which means he won’t be strong enough for the trip.
“After the game last Friday, Carl has been struggling with some stomach upset and it has not allowed him train with the rest of the squad,” said team doctor Ibrahim Gyaran on the NFF website.
“He is stable but needs a lot of rest to be back in 100% shape for the kind of high profile game that we have on Tuesday. Considering the amount of travel involved as well, it is best we give him a break.”
Coach Siasia said he would have to get his back up goalkeepers to do the job against the Pharaohs which has become more important following news of Chad’s withdrawal from the qualifying campaign.
“We will surely miss Carl but the good thing with our team is that we have capable replacements in every department. Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa are still here and any one of these two will help us get the job done in Alexandria,” Siasia said.
Nigeria will travel to Alexandria via chartered flight on Monday for Tuesday’s must win game against the Pharaohs.
