Ghana vs. Nigeria: Ighalo, five others arrive Super Eagles camp as injury and sickness force Black Stars to make changes

The early arrival of players for the must-win Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup match against the Black Stars of Ghana probably highlights the importance our players attached to the match.

Already in camp on Monday are Super Eagles vice-captain William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun and Semi Ajayi. 

Also in Abuja are Odion Ighalo, Ola Aina and Frank Onyeka. The other invited players are expected later today.  

Though the Eagles’ opponent the Black Stars are expected to release their list on Monday,  sources in Ghana media revealed sickness and injuries may have forced the technical crew to make some last-minute changes.      

Jordan Ayew and debutant Antoine Semenyo are major doubts for the 2022 World Cup play-off after encountering setbacks this past weekend.

Ayew, whose senior brother Andre Ayew is ruled out due to suspension, has contracted coronavirus and it’s likely that he would be replaced in the squad.

The Crystal Palace striker was not even named on the bench on Sunday morning as the Eagles thrashed Everton 4-0 to advance to the FA Cup semi-finals.

Ayew is a key player and his potential absence could affect the team’s chances of eliminating Nigeria.

For Semenyo, he suffered a knee injury while in action for Bristol City in the English Championship against West Brom.

The attacker who has been handed his debut call-up for the crucial tie was substituted after just six minutes, and according to Bristol manager Nigel Pearson, the player is upset.

“I don’t know [the extent of the injury] at the moment but obviously he [Antoine Semenyo] is upset at the moment because he’s been called up for the Ghana squad and he’s jarred his knee so we’ll have to see how he is. I can’t give you any more than that at the moment,” Bristol manager Nigel Pearson said.

These two players could be replaced as the Black Stars technical team prepares to address the nation on Monday morning.

Meanwhile, Black Stars interim coach Otto Addo is expecting a full house by the close of the day as the team prepares for the crucial World Cup playoff against Nigeria.

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey who is expected to lead the team in the absence of Andre Ayew is expected to arrive in the country later Monday.

According to the GFA, the Black Stars will travel to Kumasi on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, to continue with preparations for the game.

The Super Eagles are expected to arrive in Ghana on Wednesday, March 23, 2022, with a chartered flight.

Nigeria will be missing the services of Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and Kenneth Omeruo due to injury.

Coach Augustine Eguavoen is expected to make changes to his squad to replace the injured players.

Ghana and Nigeria will be battling it out for one of the five tickets to represent Africa at the World Cup to be staged in Qatar.