The Portugal-based duo of Chidozie Awaziem at Boavista and Zaidu Sanusi of FC Porto were both among the late arrivals at the Super Eagles’ camp in Lagos, as both were reportedly held back by transfer talks, megasportsarena.com reports.
The initial report had been that Joe Aribo from Glasgow Rangers of Scotland and Paul Ebere Onuachu from Racing Genk of Belgium would be the only invited players expected in camp on Tuesday.
However, the early hours of that day brought up another story, with Sanusi and Awaziem both not among the 24 players that were on ground to commence full team training at Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
It is now left to be seen if Eagles’ coach, Gernot Rohr will include them in his matchday squad this Friday, as they tango The Lone Star of Liberia at the start of the qualifiers to Qatar 2022 World Cup.
A report by scorenigeria.com.ng added: “Zaidu Sanusi of FC Porto and Chidozie Awaziem from Portuguese club Boavista could well be held up by transfer talks.
“Belgian club Genk have not ruled out that Goal King Onuachu could still make the big transfer on deadline day.
“Gernot Rohr has already hinted that Zaidu will quit Porto to enjoy more game time this season. Awaziem, on the other hand, has been linked with a return to France on loan from Boavista.
“Rangers versatile midfielder Joe Aribo is another player still expected. Coronavirus has already ruled out Frank Onyeka (Brentford) and Kevin Akpoguma (Hoffenheim).
“FC Lorient striker Terem Moffi, Innocent Bonke from Malmo of Sweden and Italy-based Tyronne Ebuehi were among the players who reported Monday night.
“The full roll call of players in camp: Tyronne Ebuehi, Leon Balogun, Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Maduka Okoye, Terem Moffi, Jamilu Collins, Valentine Ozornwafor, Innocent Bonke, Moses Simon (and) Shehu Abdullahi.
“(Others are) Ahmed Musa, Samuel Kalu, Daniel Akpeyi, Adekunle Adeleke, Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho, Oghenekaro Etebo, Francis Uzoho, Henry Onyekuru, Chidera Ejuke, Kingsley Michael, Wilfred Ndidi, Kenneth Omeruo.”
