Muscle strain stops Osaze from training

By Fidelis Ebu
There were 20 of the 22 invited players at the Super Eagles’ first training session yesterday evening, ahead of Sunday’s 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia.

Osaze Odemwingie

Goalkeepers Bamidele Aiyenugba and Sunday Rotimi, defenders Joseph Yobo, Taye Taiwo, Olubayo Adefemi, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Dele Adeleye and Efe Ambrose, midfielders Mikel Obi, Julius Ubido, Joel Obi, and Kalu Uche and forwards Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Obinna Nsofor, Victor Moses, Obafemi Martins, Ikechukwu Uche, Victor Anichebe and Peter Utaka trained at the mainbowl of the National Stadium, Abuja. Taye Taiwo landed in Abuja as the team was heading to training and joined up at the National Stadium.

Nigeria have three points from their previous two games, three behind Group B leaders Guinea, with four matches to go in the series. Sunday’s clash with the Walya Antelopes is a must_win for the Super Eagles.

Midfielder Fengor Ogude and striker Solomon Okoronkwo, who both play in Norway, were expected at the Transcorp Hilton hotel last night.

Muscle strain stops Osaze from training

There was cause for concern among the numerous fans who watched Super Eagles training yesterday at the Abuja national stadium as top West Bromwich Albion striker, Osaze Odemwinge sat out throughout the training session.

Although the fans were restricted to the spectators stands by the security personnel, they could not hide their fears when they saw that Osaze Odemwinge was not training with the rest of the players. “What is wrong with Osaz?”one of them asked from the stands.

The light complexioned West Bromwich Albion star told Sports Vanguard at the end of the training session that there was no cause for alarm. He told our correspondent that he was having  a slight muscle strain that needed to be rested for two to three days.

“I am fine, I am well. I will be fine for the match,” Osaze assured saying that there should be no cause for alarm.

Eagles in Camp

Goalkeepers:
Bamidele Aiyenugba  Sunday Rotimi
Defenders:
Joseph Yobo, Taye Taiwo, Olubayo Adefemi, Chibuzor Okonkwo, Dele Adeleye and Efe Ambrose
Midfielders
Mikel Obi, Julius Ubido, Joel Obi,  Kalu Uche
Forwards:
Osaze Odemwingie, Ahmed Musa, Obinna Nsofor, Victor Moses, Obafemi Martins, Ikechukwu Uche, Victor Anichebe, Peter Utaka, Taye Taiwo