By Telema Davies
It seems Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi’s headaches are just about to hit him right before the World Cup begins. Just a week since the release of the 30-man provisional list ahead of the FIFA World Cup™ and injuries mount. Widespread speculations have been circulating about the fitness level of some players listed, as debates on the potential squad rages. Some might argue philosophically that, better late than never, at a time when the FIFA mundial has barely even sounded.
Austin Ejide, one of four goalkeepers invited by coach Keshi and an understudy to Vincent Enyeama, picked up an injury in a league game. Austin Ejide has been Nigeria’s second best safe hands in all international outings behind the Lille OSC of France goalkeeper. Ejide, like his compatriot Enyeama, has been in fantastic form over the last one year for club and country. News of his injury will definitely cause an unsteady ease within the base of the team given his participation.
Although, the extent of his injury isn’t immediately known, it is however confirmed that it is hip related creating uncertainties. These uncertainties have to do with the length of period Ejide will be out for, given the World Cup preparations. Before the weekend’s incident, Austin Ejide had missed a game for his Israeli club side, Hapoel Beer Sheva due to minor problems. He has since his return from that absence, played four matches for the club prior to suffering this latest setback.
Ejide, who was in visible pain, injured his hip in the 52nd minute of an encounter against Hapoel Tel Aviv. He was trying to collect the ball when this occurred, and had to be substituted by Shlomi Ben Hamo. At the time of his departure, Beer Sheva were 1-0 up in Tel Aviv against their long standing rivals. However, Hapoel Beer Sheva won the game 2-1 and clinched the runners-up spot in the Israeli league. It’s been the best season for the club since they last won the league title in 1976.
Little is known at this point if this injury to Austin Ejide is short-term or long-term, either way posing a threat to his participation at the World Cup. Nigerians will be eager to know if coach Stephen Keshi will look to replace his second best choice or stick with him. Meanwhile, other players whose fitness continues to generate heat on the list include returnees Nosa Igiebor, Nnamdi Oduamadi, and captain Joseph Yobo.
This is not the sort of condition football loving fans in Nigeria are eager to associate with barely 3 weeks to the kick off of the FIFA World Cup™ in Brazil. There are concerns already, of the make-up of Keshi’s list released last Tuesday, though a draft. Names listed in the draft include regulars Emmanuel Emenike, Victor Moses, John Obi Mikel, Godfrey Oboabona, Vincent Enyeama, Elderson Echiejile, Efe Ambrose, Ogenyi Onazi, Azubuike Egwuekwe, Ahmed Musa and Kenneth Omeruo.
Others are Chigozie Agbim, Ejike Uzoenyi, Kunle Odunlami, returnees Osaze Odemwingie, Joel Obi and Joseph Yobo.