Ahead of Nigeria's international friendly match with Mali, caretaker coach George Finidi has one fewer player to work with following the exit of Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka, Soccernet.ng reports.
Finidi invited 27 players for Nigeria's double-headed friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March after he was named the interim coach of the Super Eagles.
However, only 23 players reported to camp following the withdrawal of Victor Osimhen, Tyronne Ebuehi, Taiwo Awoniyi, and Gabriel Osho, who was earning his first international call-up.
However, the Super Eagles still had enough in their tank to power past Ghana, beating the Black Stars 2-1 at the Grande Stade de Marrakech last Friday.
Glasgow Rangers forward Cyriel Dessers and Atalanta ace Ademola Lookman netted the decisive goals for the three-time African champions.
Fulham FC defender Calvin Bassey did not feature in that game due to injury.
Once it was determined that Bassey would not be fit for the second game against Mali, the former Rangers full-back left the Super Eagles camp to return to his base in England.
The Super Eagles have been hit with another blow, though, as Frank Onyeka will also not be available for the Mali friendly.
According to reports from the Super Eagles camp, Onyeka has left Morocco and is on his way back to England for personal reasons.
The Brentford midfielder delivered an impressive performance against the Ghanaians.
The former FC Midtjylland ace was one of Nigeria's outstanding performers at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where the Super Eagles finished in a commendable second place.
In Onyeka's absence, coach Finidi can turn to any of Club Brugge's Raphael Onyedika, Hatayspor's Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, and Antwerp's Alhassan Yusuf to partner Ndidi in midfield against Mali's Eagles.
The match will be played on Tuesday, 26 March 2024, at the Grande Stade de Marrakech in Morocco, with kickoff slated for 5 pm (Nigerian time).
NB: In Onyeka's absence, which of Yusuf, Dele-Bashiru, or Onyedika would you want as Ndidi's partner in midfield versus Mali? Leave your comments below.
