Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu is set to undergo a scan in Lisbon, Portugal, on Monday to determine the severity of the injury he sustained during training, according to team officials.
Ogbu was ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming international friendly against Portugal after suffering a suspected rupture of his left Achilles tendon during Saturday’s training session.
Despite initial concerns, the centre-back remains in the Super Eagles camp. Team Media Officer Promise Efoghe dismissed reports that the player had returned to Prague, confirming he is still with the squad and will be further assessed in Portugal.
“Injured Igoh Ogbu is still in the Super Eagles camp. Disregard reports that he has gone back to Prague. He will undergo a scan here in Lisbon on Monday,” Efoghe said in a WhatsApp update to journalists.
The defender’s setback comes as a major blow to Nigeria, with Ogbu having been in impressive form in recent appearances. He played a key role in the Unity Cup triumph in London and featured for 45 minutes in last Wednesday’s friendly against Poland in Warsaw.
Coach Eric Chelle now faces limited defensive options ahead of the clash, with Calvin Bassey, Emmanuel Fernandez, and Semi Ajayi among the available centre-back choices.
Nigeria’s preparations are further complicated by the strength of the Portuguese squad, which has been boosted by the arrival of Paris Saint-Germain stars Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos following their Champions League triumph over Arsenal.
Portugal coach Roberto Martínez confirmed that all four PSG players are available for selection, although Rafael Leão will miss the match after being sent off against Chile.
