Team official reveals conversations Ighalo, Balogun, Osimhen had with Super Eagles stars

Super Eagles Media Officer Babafemi Raji has revealed that Leon Balogun, Odion Ighalo and Victor Osimhen have been in touch with their Nigeria teammates ahead of the opening game of the Africa Cup of Nations against Egypt.

The aforementioned players were all named in the Super Eagles finalized squad list for the ongoing tournament in Cameroon but were forced to pull out for various reasons.

Osimhen had tested positive for coronavirus and is still rehabbing after surgery, former Manchester United striker Ighalo has not been released by his Saudi Arabian club and Balogun is recovering from a back issue.

Henry Onyekuru and West Brom center back Semi Ajayi were called in to replace Osimhen and Balogun respectively.

The Rangers, Napoli and Al-Shabab stars were itching to play for the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations before withdrawing from the squad.

Providing a squad update on Sunday afternoon, Raji told Channels Television : "For players we have 26 players in camp. Tyronne Ebuehi arrived yesterday, we expect Jamilu Collins to be in town from today.

"Unfortunately we won't have Odion Jude Ighalo, anything could still happen but the truth is as at now we won't have him but the coach and the team have moved on.

"Odion spoke with us and told us his mind is here. It's not only Odion Ighalo even Leon Balogun put a call through, he has been talking to all the boys please do this for us, that we would have been here but for one reason or the other we are not here, so the spirit is there.

"Even Victor Osimhen telling everyone I know I should have been with you guys but do this for us.

"Whereas some other teams have 28 players we have more than 28 because the others that should have been here are here with us in spirit."

The Super Eagles players and officials were scheduled to have Covid tests this afternoon before their training session from 1800 hours to 2000 hours.

Igho Kingsley