Obiora Out, Musa Doubtful For Ghana Clash

Midfielder Obiora Nwankwo will not be available for Austin Eguavoen’s Olympic team when they take on Ghana this weekend in the second leg of their All Africa Games qualifier in Kumasi.

Key winger, Ahmed Musa is also doubtful after his club VV Venlo asked the Nigerian authorities to allow him to rest after playing for the Under 20s, Olympic team and Super Eagles.

Nwankwo, who can also play as a centreback, has been recalled by his club Parma, with which he is on loan from Inter Milan, and asked to report for pre-season training.

“I would have really wanted to be in the return leg game against Ghana but my club has said otherwise after considering several factors,” said the player, who captained the team in the 3-1 defeat of Ghana in the first leg.

Olympic team Media Officer Arafat Aliu said Venlo wants Musa rested after a demanding season.

“VVV Venlo are giving us problems, they are insisting that Ahmed Musa observes his rest and not honour the game against Ghana but we hope to make them understand the importance of this game,” Aliu said.

It is not all bad news for Eguavoen, as Nnamdi Oduamadi, Ganiu Oseni, Nurudeen Orelesi and Chukwuma Akabueze are expected to join the team on Tuesday while Nosa Igiebor arrives on Wednesday.

Warri Wolves hit man Ekhigo Ehiosun joins the team on Monday.

The squad moved to Lagos on Monday after one week of intensive preparations in Benin City.