Super Eagles assistant captain Eddy Onazi has lost his fitness battle and has withdrawn from the Nigeria squad ahead of their games against Algeria and Argentina.

The central midfielder is expected to spend the next 2-3 weeks on the sidelines after sustaining an injury in Trabzonspor's goalless draw away at Kayserispor on Saturday.

''The scan result was concluded and it’s a grade ‘A’ injury. If I go to play for the national team, it will only aggravate, so it’s better I have my club take care of it,'' Onazi told aoifootball.com.

''A special doctor has been assigned to me and I hope to bounce back after the international break.

''I am confident the team will have a good outing in both games, because we have lots of young and fantastic players that can step-up anytime, any day to deliver; with this, I am confident the guys will give a good account in both games.''

Odion Ighalo and Moses Simon have already pulled out of the squad after picking up injuries while representing their Chinese and Belgian clubs respectively.

Igho Kingsley