The Super Eagles Interim Coach, Samson Siasia, has assured Nigerians that striker Alex Iwobi would be fit for Friday’s crucial Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna.
Iwobi, who arrived in the team’s camp on March 19, did not train with the team on Tuesday, fuelling speculations that he might be nursing an injury.
Siasia, who allayed fears of injury while exchanging views with newsmen shortly after the morning training session, said the player only had a stomach upset.
He reassured Nigerians that the player would be available for the match against the Pharaohs of Egypt in Kaduna.
He said: “Alex Iwobi did not train because he has food poisoning.
“He was stooling last night and he is feeling feverish, so the doctor took him to the hospital.
“But I think he is going to be alright to play in Kaduna.”
The Olympic soccer team coach noted that the team had so much confidence in Iwobi as far as the match against Egypt was concerned.
He said it was regrettable that there had been distractions from the English press over the the player’s resolve to play for Nigeria.
He said: “The English press didn’t make noise about him when he had not played for the Super Eagles.
“I don’t know why they are making noise about him after he decided to feature for Nigeria in a competitive game.”
Siasia urged the player to be focused and concentrate on the match against Egypt.
The Eagles will play the Pharaohs in AFCON 2017 qualifying first-leg match in Kaduna on March 25 and a return leg in Alexandria, Egypt on March 29.
