Super Eagles left back Daniel Itodo is rated doubtful for Sunday’s African Nations Championship quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Angola in Tangier.
The 21-year old clattered into a teammate during Friday night’s training session at the practice pitch of the Stade Ibn Batouta, abruptly ending his participation in the evening session.
Eagles head coach Salisu Yusuf spoke to the press on Saturday ahead of Sunday’s game and confirmed that Itodo faces a race against time to be fit for Sunday.
“We have few cases of injuries now. We have the issue of Ifeanyi and Itodo who was taken to hospital and we will have to assess him today (Saturday),” said Salisu
The Plateau United defender has featured in every minute of the Eagles’ game in Morocco and is known for his missile-throws, one of which was in the buildup to Dayo Ojo’s goal, Nigeria’s second against Equatorial Guinea in Agadir on Tuesday.
In the team’s final training session before facing Angola, held on Saturday evening, Itodo was made to sit out the session ostensibly to rest sufficiently possibly for the game. The other players reported carrying knocks, Ifeanyi Ifeanyi and Timothy Danladi trained normally with the rest of the team.
The full back now faces a late fitness test to determine if he will feature in Sunday’s game. In his absence, the team might turn to Enyimba young left back Ikouwem Udoh or natural right back Ifeanyi Nweke to hold fort.
Nigeria face Angola in the third quarterfinal clash at the African Nations Championship on Sunday at 5:30pm Nigerian time.
Fisayo Dairo reporting from Tangier, Morocco
