The recently announced squad by coach Finidi George for the pivotal FIFA World Cup qualification matches against South Africa and Benin Republic has stirred up considerable debate within Nigeria’s football circles.
The lineup includes some notable newcomers and the much-anticipated return of goalkeeper Maduka Okoye. However, it is the absence of several key players that has sparked significant controversy among fans.
Most notably, the omissions of vice-captain William Troost-Ekong and Ola Aina, both of whom played crucial roles in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast, have become focal points of heated discussions.
A recent report has shed light on the reasons behind Aina’s exclusion from Finidi’s squad, providing clarity amidst the speculation.
The Reason Behind Aina’s Omission from the Super Eagles
According to a recent report, Nottingham Forest defender Ola Aina is currently out of action due to an undisclosed injury. This injury has compelled coach Finidi George to leave him out of the squad for the critical World Cup qualifiers.
The 27-year-old defender also missed Nottingham Forest’s final Premier League match against Burnley. The report indicates that Aina has been enduring the latter part of the EPL season with the aid of painkillers.
As Aina plans to utilize the upcoming summer break to fully recover, coach Finidi George has opted to select Remo Stars’ Sodiq Ismail as his replacement.
It is important to note that Aina’s last appearance for the Super Eagles was during the AFCON final, a match he played despite suffering from a hamstring injury.
By selecting Sodiq Ismail, coach Finidi George demonstrates a strategic and forward-thinking approach, ensuring that the Super Eagles remain competitive while prioritizing the health and future performance of key players like Ola Aina.
