Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr has invited Akwa United striker Ndifreke Effiong as a replacement for Torino defender Ola Aina ahead of this week’s inconsequential Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Seychelles in Asaba.
Ndifreke who scored his fifth league goal of the season for Akwa United on Sunday was called up after Italy based Aina reportedly excused himself from the team’s upcoming engagements against Seychelles and Egypt.
Aina, on loan from Chelsea played ninety minutes in Torino’s 2-3 loss at home to Bologna on Saturday before he was shown a 92nd minute red card in the game. It remains to be seen then what could be his reasons for opting out of the international fixtures.
It will be recalled that in the last international window in November, Aina left the Eagles camp for his base after he was left out of the starting lineup in the decisive 1-1 draw with South Africa in Johannesburg, thereby missing the friendly draw with Uganda in Asaba.
However, Rohr’s decision to call up a striker in his stead follows the recent trend of the German’s players invitation, having only last week invited Enyimba left back Ikouwem Udo Utin in place of injured right winger Samuel Kalu.
Nigeria’s senior national team camp opens on Monday in Asaba, Delta State capital ahead of the games against Seychelles and Egypt at the Stephen Keshi Stadium. The Eagles will face Seychelles on Friday before taking on AFCON hosts Egypt on Tuesday, March 26.
