Gernot Rohr’s men are keen to avoid suffering a second consecutive defeat in four days, but it will be without two of their key stars
William Troost-Ekong and Samuel Kalu will not be a part of the Nigerian squad set to trade tackles with Tunisia at the Jacques Lehmans Arena in Austria on Tuesday.
Super Eagles media officer Toyin Ibitoye confirmed that the defender and the winger have been given permission to leave the Nigerian national team camp and will not feature in the team’s second international friendly match.
Kalu started on the left-wing in the 1-0 loss to Algeria on Friday, but he picked up a knock early in the second half and was replaced by Nantes winger Moses Simon.
Troost-Ekong was, however, allowed to leave the Nigerian camp due to club commitments. Watford wants the former Udinese centre-back to be a part of their preparation ahead of their Championship game against Derby County on Friday.
The centre-back teamed up with the Hornets from Serie A club Udinese in September and will hope to make his debut for the side at Pride Park Stadium.
“Kalu was allowed to leave the camp and return to his club because of the knock he got in the game against Algeria,” Ibitoye told Brila FM.
“For Troost-Ekong, he was permitted to go because he just joined a new club and they have a game on Friday, so they want him to train with his team ahead of the game.
“So, with these two players out, we will have the chance to see new players for the game.”
The absence of these two stars, who started against Algeria, will force head coach Rohr to make several changes.
CSKA Moscow winger Chidera Ejuke could make his senior debut on Tuesday as a direct replacement for Kalu.
Leganes’ defender Kenneth Omeruo could also be drafted in to take the place of the departed Troost-Ekong.
Nigeria’s game against Tunisia kicks off by 7:30 pm Nigerian time, and Soccernet.ng will be covering all aspects of the game live.
