Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr has all but ruled out China-based striker Odion Ighalo of the Super Eagles’ clash with the African champions on Monday night in Yaounde.
Ighalo, scorer of Nigeria’s first goal in the 4-0 demolition of the Lions was stretchered off just after the hour mark in the game in Uyo on Friday due to a suspected leg problem.
The Changchun Yatai striker travelled with the team to Yaounde on Sunday morning and was seen jogging with the rest of his teammates before Sunday night’s closed door session.
“I would like to use the same lineup (for Friday’s match) on Monday but there is a little problem with Ighalo – with his leg,” said Rohr after Sunday’s training session.
“We don’t want to take any risks and there is also a possibility of bringing in fresh players. That is why we will only decide on Monday morning.”
With Ighalo rated highly doubtful, Leicester forward Kelechi Iheanacho who replaced the former Julius Berger striker on Friday night is in contention to start but with stiff competition from Israel-based Anthony Nwakaeme.
“If Ighalo cannot play – we will decide in the last moment – we have two possibilities.
“We have Kelechi (Iheanacho) and we have Anthony (Nwakaeme) so we have two centre forwards who are ready to play for him.”
Nigeria are in cruise control after three wins from as many Group B games. Rohr knows what the team wants in Yaounde and emphasised how prepared they are to fight to get it.
“We want to make a good result.”
“We know that to take revenge (for Cameroon) is normal and natural because they play at home and have their families and they got a slap on Friday.
“We expect Cameroon to start well and we know they are a physical team but we are ready physically also to have a big fight him.”
Monday’s game is scheduled for the Stade Ahmadu Ahidjo in the Cameroonian capital, Yaounde at 6pm local time (same in Nigeria).
