Samuel Kalu and Tyronne Ebuehi set to miss Cape Verde game after the both test positive

SUPER Eagles duo Samuel Kalu and Tyronne Ebuehi have both been ruled out of Nigeria's World Cup qualifier against Cape Verde tomorrow after they tested positive for coronavirus after a medical check-up of all the players.

Last Friday, Nigeria got her 2022 World Cup campaign going with a 2-0 victory over Liberia in Lagos and the team is hoping for a further three points in Cape Verde tomorrow. Already handicapped by the fact that seven British-based players have had to leave camp die to Covid-19 restrictions, the team has been dealt a further blow today.

Bordeaux winger Samuel Kalu, who is one of coach Gernot Rohr’s favourite players and was tipped to start tomorrow’s match tested positive in what a was big body blow. To make matters worse, Venezia defender Tyronne Ebuehi has also been ruled out of the game in Mindelo, after testing positive too.

Both players have been mandated to undergo a second test tomorrow although it is doubtful that they will be cleared to play even if they test negative. Already fullback Ola Aina has been excused from camp due to family reasons, leaving Mr Rohr with just 21 players to choose from, which now looks like it will be reduced to 19 with Ebuehi and Kalu out.

Ebuehi was expected to replace Aina in the right-back position but with his positive coronavirus test, Abdullahi Shehu is now set to come in for him. Henry Onyekuru is now expected to play instead of Kalu, alongside Simon Moses on the flanks.

Nigeria's Super Eagles face Cape Verde tomorrow Tuesday September 7 at the at the Adérito Sena Municipal Stadium, in Mindelo. Kick-off is 2pm Nigeria time.