By Daily Sports on April 20, 2016

Ikorodu United captain, Nnedum Francis and striker, Stephen Nwaiwu will miss the side’s crucial top flight matchday 13 clash at El Kanemi Warriors on Sunday at the Maiduguri Township Stadium.

The former Crown FC strongman, Francis as well as former FC IfeanyiUbah marksman, Nwaiwu were both said to have failed the late fitness test required for the expected difficult match at the Maiduguri outfit.

The Oga Boys have been winless in their last eight matches in the 12-week old Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

An official of the side, Babatunde Ayoola said the coaches and team doctors considered the Sunday’s clash at El Kanemi Warriors as crucial that requires the services of 100% fit players.

“The duo, Nnedum Francis and Stephen Nwaiwu did not make the trip for the clash at El Kanemi Warriors on Sunday in Maiduguri.

“Both players failed the late fitness test conducted on the entire players by the medical team before the team head off for the Sunday’s crucial match.

“That is the measure of seriousness the coaches attach to the match knowing quite well that the encounter is almost a battle requiring the services of only fit players.

“The key players could return to starting lineup in subsequent matches once they work very hard to regain their respective fitness level.

“The coaches are working tirelessly on the attackers to ensure they take their chances at goal at El Kanemi Warriors.

“On paper it looks like a tall order for us to claim the three points at stake in the encounter given the tough terrain in Maiduguri as well as the not too comfortable position of the hosts on the log.

“However, we understand that pre-match billing does not at times decide matches but what happens in the 90 minutes.

“We are going there to play our normal game to chance contesting for the whole three or one point in the clash.

“We have told ourselves that we cannot afford to come back home to Lagos empty-handed as that will not help our course as well as moral,” said Ayoola to supersport.com.

Ikorodu United headed to Abuja to prepare for the clash at El Kanemi Warriors after the 0-2 loss at Niger Tornadoes in Sunday’s matchday 12 clash at the Confluence Stadium in Lokoja.

The newly promoted side are at the base of the 20-team top flight on ---from possible 36 with a game to spare at champions, Enyimba. (supersports.com)

Source Daily Sports

Posted April 20, 2016

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