All Africa Games Qualifier: Big Blow For U-23 Eagles

There was panic in the camp of Nigeria’s U-23 team this morning when the doctors ruled out number one goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye, from the crucial second round second leg All Africa Games qualifier against Ghana at the Baba Yara Sports Complex Kumasi on Sunday.

P.M.Sports gathered from the Nigerian camp that Dele, who suffered a right shoulder injury during the first leg game in Benin, but managed to end the match, will be out for three weeks.

Coach Austin Eguavoen and members of the technical were shattered when the news hit them early today.

Feelers from the team say the depth of the injury was discovered during an examination conducted by a consortium of orthopaedic surgeons, radiologists and the team doctor, Dr Ogbondeminu Samuel at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi-Araba, Lagos.

“The Pontavendra of Spain safe hands was advised to stay out of the match in order not to aggravate his injury. It is a blow to the team but we don’t want this to result to a career-threatening situation,” said the doctors.

The former Golden Eaglets goalkeeper has been a regular for the team’s Olympic qualifiers and All Africa Games.

“It’s painful because this is a crucial game but I will keep to the doctor’s advice as my career is also on the line. But I have confidence in the other goalkeepers we have in camp,” Ajiboye said.

Following this development, Kano Pillars first choice keeper, and 2009 Nigeria Premier league best goalie, Theophilus Afelokhia, has been called to join the squad to Kumasi.

Ghana’s preparations for the clash have also been blighted by the uncertainty surrounding the availability of some key players.

Midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang Badu, Jonathan Mensah, Jordan Ayew and Richmond Boakye Yiadom remain doubtful for the crucial clash due to their involvement in pre-season training with their respective clubs in Europe.

Meanwhile, goalkeeper trainer of the Nigerian team, Alloy Agu, has expressed confidence that the Dream Team V would win their tie against the Black Meteors.

The former Nigerian international disclosed that all the departments in the team are fully prepared for the match, adding that the players are both physically and psychologically ready for the crucial game.