Goalkeeper Carl Ikeme will not be available for Nigeria’s Nations Cup qualifier away to Egypt due to stomach upset that has kept him out of training since Friday’s game in Kaduna.
Egypt, who secured a late 1-1 draw with Nigeria on Friday, will host the Super Eagles on Tuesday in Alexandria.
“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,” Nigeria doctor Ibrahim Gyaran told the country’s football federation official website on Sunday.
“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,”
However Nigeria’s coach Samson Siassia is unworried by Ikeme’s absence as he believes that his side have suitable replacements in all positions.
“We will surely miss Carl but the good thing with our team is that we have capable replacements in every department.” he said.
“Daniel Akpeyi and Ikechukwu Ezenwa are still here and any one of these two will help us get the job done in Alexandria.”
