FRIENDLIES: Iwobi’s absence opens door for new Super Eagles hopeful David Ozoh
The confirmed absence of Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi from the forthcoming friendly matches involving the Super Eagles of Nigeria has opened the door for an unheralded player in the person of David Ozoh, who currently plies his trade for Derby County.
Iwobi sustained an injury during Fulham’s 0-0 draw against Brentford, which will also see him miss this weekend’s Premier League clash against North London rivals Arsenal.
Fulham coach Marco Silva confirmed that Iwobi, who is now recovering, sustained a hamstring injury, stating further that his absence will be a significant blow to the team’s attacking structure and also that of the Super Eagles.
The injury sustained by Iwobi has now opened the door for Ozoh, with reports revealing that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has lined up the Derby County player as a replacement.
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However, Ozoh, who has scored twice in 32 league appearances for the Rams this season, would have to wait for an authorisation letter from the English FA to FIFA clearing the way to play for Nigeria.
“The Derby County midfielder (Ozoh) needs clearance from the English FA to play. Once that is done, he will be on the team for the game against Poland and Portugal, respectively, not in the Unity Cup. Iwobi has been told to rest by Chelle,” a source close to the coach revealed.
If all goes to plan, the 20-year-old player, who is on loan from English Premier League side Crystal Palace, will debut for the Super Eagles at the Unity Cup,, where his performance will be assessed for the forthcoming friendly games against Poland and Portugal.
