Super Eagles Handler Augustine Eguavoen Explains Why Chidera Ejuke Was Not Invited for Ghana Clashes

• Chidera Ejuke was not invited for the World Cup play-offs against the Black Stars of Ghana and there are concerns
• The CSKA Moscow winger who has already made three appearances for the national team was not named in the 32-man list invited by Augustine Eguavoen
• The coach has disclosed that Ademola Lookman has been given an opportunity, while Emmanuel Dennis is also back into the team

Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen has disclosed that he wants to achieve a balanced team and that was why Chidera Ejuke was not invited for the World Cup play-offs against Ghana, Soccernet reports.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria go head-to-head with the Black Stars of Ghana for a World Cup spot, as both sides begin final preparation.

Eguavoen named an initial 32-man list for Nigeria, but Chidera Ejuke who has been tipped to step into Jay Jay Okocha’s shoes for his dribbling skills was missing on the list.

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In a chat with Elegbete TV, Eguavoen disclosed that the door is not shut at the CSKA Moscow star, saying an opportunity has been given to Ademola Lookman while Emmanuel Dennis is also back to the squad.

He said:

“I’ve spoken to most of them one after the other. The best position and then another alternative position.

”Now as at today, on the left side which Ejuke said is his best position… I’ve seen Ejuke. I still hold him close to my heart. Now we’ve given an opportunity to Ademola Lookman and then we have Moses Simon. On the right side, Dennis has come back and then Chukwueze.

If you look at it, we are strong here and as well strong there. And then up there, we have Osimhen, Sadiq who’s doing well in Spain right now and the experience of Odion Ighalo. I also spoke with Olayinka as well, I know they have qualities.

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“Ighalo last played for me in the U-23 but I’ve watched him play up to where he is now and it will be nice to see him closely again. It’s not like the door is shut for everyone out there. The door is still open for everyone.

“This is only a game and what we did is to have two players in each position and then three goalkeepers and others are on standby. Then we have a balanced team.”

Nigeria suffer injury blow ahead of Ghana clashes

Sports Brief earlier reported that three-time African champions, Nigeria have been handed a major headache with less than ten days to the first leg of the all-important World Cup playoffs against Ghana.

Hardworking midfield enforcer Wilfred Ndidi suffered an injury in Leicester City's Conference League return leg encounter against Rennes.

The Nigeria international could only last for an hour as Leicester manager Brendan Rogers was forced to substitute the 25-year-old player.