Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Onyinyen Ndidi continues undergoing individual training drills in the Super Eagles’ camp, as he aims to prove that he will be fit enough to play at the World Cup.
Though Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr again gave Ndidi hope of listing him for the competition, the gaffer stated that the former Racing Genk star will not play against DR Congo on Monday.
Ndidi, Moses Simon, Odion Ighalo and William Troost-Ekong did not take part in Friday’s practice match during the Super Eagles workout at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium as a result of fitness concerns and fatigue.
After the usual stretching and jogging exercises, Rohr split the squad into three groups for games on a reduced sized pitch.
Team A had goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, John Obi Mikel, Joel Obi, Brian Idowu, Abdullahi Shehu, Chidozie Awaziem, Kenneth Omeruo and Oghenekaro Etebo.
The outfielders for Team B were Kelechi Iheanacho, Junior Lokosa, Ahmed Musa, Ola Aina, Stephen Eze, Tyronne Ebuehi and Uche Ugbo with Ikechukwu Ezenwa in goal.
Goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, John Ogu, Leon Balogun, Elderson Echiejile, Simeon Tochukwu Nwankwo, Mikel Agu, Alex Iwobi and Eddy Onazi played for Team C.
The goalkeepers were largely moved around teams as the matches progressed and Plateau United’s Dele Ajiboye later subbed in for Ezenwa.
The first match was between Team A and B with Team A winning 4-1 and Idowu scoring two goals in almost a similar fashion to his goal on his debut against Argentina, all fierce left-footed shots.
Next up was Team B against Team C, a game won by Team C but the highlight was Chelsea defender, Ola Aina scoring with a powerful shot.
Team A and Team C met in the final practice match, after which Rohr confirmed that Ndidi will not take part in Nigeria’s upcoming friendly against Democratic Republic of Congo on Monday, May 28, manager Gernot Rohr has confirmed.
The central midfielder has not been involved in full training with the national team since the start of the training camp as he is still continuing his recovery from a hamstring injury he suffered against Crystal Palace four weeks ago.
Rohr confirmed that Ndidi can only resume full training with the Eagles this weekend, while Chelsea midfielder Victor Moses will undergo special training when he links up with the squad in the English capital as from May 30.
Rohr submitted: ”We have a programme to do, Ndidi will not play in the PH game against Congo, but we are trying to prepare him for the London game against England. We also have a special programme for Victor Moses, who also needed some time out.”
