Nigeria’s opponents in Saturday’s 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia qualifier in Uyo, Zambia, have been hit by another blow following the withdrawal of Djugardens of Sweden midfielder Edward Chilufya on Tuesday.
Chilufya’s non-participation is due to the non-resolution of his work permit clearance at the Scandinavian country after recently signing a professional contract on turning 18 last month.
Chilufya’s withdrawals follows that of Belgium based midfielder Emmanuel Banda and Platinum Stars striker Brian Mwila who were earlier ruled out due to injury. The Zambian team have been training in the Ghanaian capital Accra having arrived in the West African nation on Sunday.
Only two of the invited nine foreign based players were absent as at Tuesday afternoon, Chilufya and Red Bull Salzburg striker Patson Daka who is now expected to join the team in Abuja.
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The latest arrival at the Chipolopolo’s Marcel Desailly Sports Complex is rising teenager Enock Mwepu. The Liefering of Austria starlet joined up with his colleagues on Tuesday morning in Accra. Mwepu scored on his national team debut in the team’s 3-1 victory over Algeria in Lusaka last month.
Meanwhile, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) on Tuesday confirmed on its website that the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations Champions will now arrive Nigeria on Wednesday, as against the earlier date of Thursday.
“The team will head to Nigeria tomorrow (Wednesday) ahead of Saturday’s clash,” read the statement.
Saturday’s Group B game will come up at the Nest of Champions in Uyo at 5pm local time.
