Nigeria have been dealt a major blow as number goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye will miss the first leg 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Ghana.
Okoye according to a Twitter update by the Nigeria Football Federation, has pulled out of the encounter at the last minute with illness.
The 22-year-old Watford loanee has been impressive for struggling Dutch side, Sparta Rotterdam – making 22 appearances in the Eredivisie this term.
He was the Super Eagles first choice at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon where they were eliminated by Tunisia in round 16.
The Technical team has invited Enyimba goalkeeper, John Noble as replacement for Okoye.
The goalkeepers in camp are Kaizer Chiefs man, Daniel Akpeyi, John Noble and Francis Uzoho but 23-year-old Uzoho who plays for Cypriot side, Omonia FC is favorite to be in post for both games according to BBC reporter, Oluwashina Okeleji.
The Super Eagles are already without injured midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi who has been replaced by Lorient’s Innocent Bonke.
The three time African champions are guests of their West African rivals at the Baba Yara Stadium on Friday, March 25.
The reverse fixture is billed for the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja four days later with the winner of the two legs booking one of the continent’s slot in Qatar later this year.
