Ghana vs Nigeria: France-based midfielder replaces injured Ndidi
With the former Malmo star enjoying a good run in the French Ligue 1, he should be a good backup for the must-win ties against the Black Stars
Nigeria's interim manager Augustine Eguavoen has taken a swift move to replace injured Wilfred Ndidi in the roster of players for the double-header against Ghana in the 2022 World Cup playoff.
Eguavoen has opted to hand a late call-up to French-based midfielder Innocent Bonke to pick the spot hitherto held by the injured Leicester City midfielder.
With the knee injury cupped during the second half of Leicester City's 2-1 loss to Rennes in a Europa Conference League round of 16 clash on Thursday, Ndidi will miss both games against the Black Stars in Kumasi and Abuja.
Camp update: Innocent Bonke has been called up as replacement for injured @Ndidi25 for the #WCQ games against #Ghana. Get well quick Wilf. #soarsupereagles #ghanga#ngagha pic.twitter.com/cO1Xxc23BU
— ???????? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) March 20, 2022
Leicester City boss Brendan Rodgers confirmed at the pre-match press conference before the visit of Brentford that Nididi faces up to three weeks on the sidelines.
Bonke has been overlooked for national team duties since coming off the bench against the Central African Republic in a World Cup qualifier back in October 2021, his second cap for the national team having made his debut vs Cape Verde.
With the former Malmo star enjoying a good run in the French Ligue 1 where he has started each of the last seven matches played by Lorient, he should be a good backup for the must-win ties against the Black Stars.
Bonke will compete with Joe Aribo, Oghenekaro Etebo and Frank Onyeka for one of the starting spots in midfield against Ghana.
