By: Gracious Akujobi
Fenerbahce of Turkey latest recruit, Emmanuel Emenike and youthful defence trojan, Kenneth Omeruo have dropped out of the August 14, Mandela Challenge contest between the Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana in Durban due to circumstances beyond their control.
Eagles Media Officer, Ben Alaiya quotes Team’s Administrator, Dayo Enebi Achor, as saying that Emenike opted out of the encounter in other to quickly settle down at his new club. “He may have been at the club before but he is highly valued in Turkey and he has requested that he be allowed to settle well at the club and the technical crew has obliged him”, Achor said.
On his part, Omeruo, who had a pulled shoulder during the Confederations Cup game between Nigeria and Spain in Brazil, is said to have had a relapse and has been ordered by his club doctors at Chelsea FC of England for a proper and permanent solution. Omeruo had been on loan at Dutch side Addo Den Haag.
In their places, Free State Stars of South Africa, Gege Soriola and Chippa United James Okwuosa, also based in South Africa have been called up as replacement. Team technical crew, said they took the decision to call up two central defenders because there are enough options upfront for the encounter against Bafana Bafana next Wednesday. “We also need to start grooming new defenders who are promising for upcoming challenges and we found the two players invited thus far very promising”, Keshi said.
Keshi added that Emenike in particular has a lot of hurdles to cross at his new club and the management of the national team have to oblige him. “We will need him in the World Cup qualifiers but he has a lot of things to do at his new club and we must give him that opportunity. But I must say we are in good contact and we are happy with the way things are going with our top players in the transfer market”.
The Super Eagles are expected to fly out on Sunday night to South Africa for the encounter against Bafana Bafana on Wednesday.
