Chippa United’s Nwabali, Luton’s Osho doubtful for Nigeria’s friendlies vs Ghana, Mali

Chippa United goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali and Luton Town’s Gabriel Osho could miss Nigeria’s upcoming friendly matches against Ghana and Mali, Soccernet.ng reports.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to trade tackles with Ghana’s Black Stars on March 22nd and Mali’s Eagles four days later at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco.

The Nigeria Football Federation, on Saturday, released a roster of 27 players who will represent the country in the international friendlies.

Nwabali, the Super Eagles’ number-one goalkeeper at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire, made the squad. 

🇿🇦 Goal: Tashreeq Matthews | Sundowns 2-0 Chippa Unitedpic.twitter.com/EtgGMmhejh

— FootColic ⚽️ (@FootColic) March 9, 2024

There was also a first Super Eagles call-up for Osho, born in Reading, England, to parents of Nigerian descent and has been a key player for Luton Town in the Premier League this season.

However, both Nwabali and Osho sustained injuries while on duty for their clubs on Saturday, raising doubts about their involvement for Nigeria in ten days.

Nwabali featured for Chippa United in their Premier Soccer League (PSL) clash against champions Mamelodi Sundowns and was taken off the pitch in the 73rd minute of the encounter.

Chippa United lost the keenly contested encounter 2-0. The severity of what is suspected to be a knee injury will only be ascertained in the coming days.

Osho was also in the starting lineup for Luton as the Hatters fought out a thrilling 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

The 25-year-old defender was, however, replaced in the 81st minute by Cauley Woodrow after suffering an injury that needed medical attention.

The injury could put his dreams of making his Super Eagles debut on hold momentarily.

The Super Eagles face a mini-defensive crisis following injuries to Ola Aina, Zaidu Sanusi, and AFCON 2023 Most Valuable Player, William Troost-Ekong.