Defensive woe for Nigeria as Troost-Ekong ruled out of Guinea-Bissau game

Following a leg injury, Super Eagles centre-back William Troost-Ekong has been ruled of Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying clash with Guinea-Bissau.

From March 22, the 2023 AFCON qualification will resume across the African continent with the Super Eagles, expected to play their third Group A qualifier against Guinea-Bissau, on Friday, March 24.

Three days after that, the Super Eagles will depart Nigeria to take on Guinea-Bissau in yet another qualifying fixture ahead of the 2023 AFCON scheduled for January/February 2024.

According to an update provided by Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro, Troost-Ekong’s injury would keep him out of the March qualifiers.

The 29-year-old is said to still be recuperating after having fractured his tibial plateau in Salernitana’s Serie A clash against Hellas Verona in February.

According to the Serie A club, Troost-Ekong was initially expected to be sidelined for two weeks.

In a recent social media post, the defender is seen jogging for the first time since the injury and expressed his happiness at being able to make a significant step toward recovery.

Peseiro, however, hinted that the defender will not be fit in time for the home fixture against the Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau.

Speaking in an interview with Sportitalia, the Portuguese said: “He is our captain. I know he really wanted to come and play. He told me often. I am in contact with the trainers and coaches of the Nigerian players.

“Those of Troost-Ekong told me that he is working a lot, although there is not much chance of taking him with us in the next games. My friend Paulo Sousa also confirmed this to me.”

Nigeria are expected to host Guinea-Bissau at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja. As it stands, the Super Eagles lead Group A with six points, following earlier wins over Liberia and Sao Tome.