Ekpo Replaces Odemwingie For Argentina Friendly

Emmanuel Ekpo will replace Osaze Odemwingie in the Nigeria squad after the forward withdrew owing to a recurrent ankle injury.

However, Ekpo will only join the squad in Bangladesh where the Super Eagles face Argentina in a friendly match.

Nigeria coach Samson Siasia called up 25 players to prosecute two games in September, the first being a 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier against Madagascar, but will travel to Antananarivo with 24 players after Odemwingie’s withdrawal.

“We were all sad to hear about Osaze’s injury, and we wish him the very best in his recovery because he is a very important player for us,” Siasia said. “But we named a big squad so that we would be ready in the event of injuries.

“So we are not going to call up any other player for the Madagascar match. But Emmanuel Ekpo will fly straight to Bangladesh to meet us for the Argentina game.

“Hopefully, we can avoid further injuries as we prepare for these two games.”

The Super Eagles play Madagascar on Sunday, then head straight from the stadium to the airport to Bangladesh where they will engage Argentina two days later.