By Daily Sports on January 18, 2016

Nigeria centre half Austin Obaroakpo will not feature in today’s opening game at the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) against Niger Republic at the Stade Nyamirambo in Kigali.

Obaroakpo is suspended for the clash following two yellow cards in the CHAN qualifying games against Burkina Faso in Port Harcourt and Ouagadougou last year.

“Austin Obaroakpo is suspended for the match against Niger Republic,” spokesman of the Nigerian men’s national team, Toyin Ibitoye, confirmed on Sunday from Rwanda. “No doubt he is one of our best defenders and leaders but the team will have to soldier on without him. There are capable replacement in the team to take his place.”

Nigeria head coach, Sunday Oliseh, will now turn to one of either Stephen Eze or Samson Gbadebo, who play in the heart of defence for their clubs, Sunshine Stars and Lobi Stars respectively, to play alongside Jamiu Alimi.

The pair of Orji Kalu Okagbue and Matthew Etim, who are full-backs, can also play as centre-backs.

Nigeria’s Super Eagles also have Tunisia and Guinea to face in Group C of the CHAN and Obaroakpo will return for the next game against North African opposition Tunisia on Friday. (Supersport)

•Photo shows CHAN Eagles centre half Austin Obaroakpo.

Source Daily Sports

Posted January 18, 2016

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