Super Eagles to be without their defensive duo for clash against Guinea-Bissau

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have suffered two major blows ahead of their AFCON 2023 qualifying doubleheader against Guinea-Bissau. 

The three-time African champions will continue their Africa Cup Nations qualifying campaign this March when they take on Djurtus in a doubleheader. 

Nigeria host Guinea-Bissau on March 24 at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja before taking on the same opponents in the second leg three days later. 

However, Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro will be without the services of William Troost-Ekong and Leon Balogun for the two games. 

Ekong and Balogun are Nigeria’s first-choice centre-back pairing but they will miss the games against Guinea-Bissau due to injuries. 

Ekong is currently out injured for Salernitana due to a knee injury, having joined the Garnets on loan from Watford in January. 

The 29-year-old has not played for Salernitana since February 13, missing the club’s last four games, including the 1-1 draw against AC Milan. 

Meanwhile, Balogun has not played a game of football since November last year. The 34-year-old, who joined QPR on a free agent last year, has struggled with injuries this season. 

He has only played 12 games for the Hoops this season, scoring just one goal. Balogun and Ekong’s absence from Nigeria’s squad is a big blow for Peseiro as the two players have a combined 108 appearances between them. 

However, Peseiro will be able to count on the services of Bruno Onyemaechi, who is set for his second international call-up, having earned his first against Portugal last November.