Mikel Joins Growing List Of Injured Super Eagles Stars Ahead Of Int'l Matches

Porto loanee Mikel Agu faces a race against time to be fit for Nigeria's upcoming matches against Algeria (November 10) and Argentina (November 14), allnigeriasoccer.com can exclusively report.

The defensive midfielder had to be substituted after forty five minutes in Bursaspor's 2-2 draw with Kasımpaşa on Saturday because he was still nursing an injury.

''Mikel felt some pains before the match against Kasımpaşa, so the coach had to replace him after the first half,'' a top source told allnigeriasoccer.com.

''His manager did not want him to worsen the injury. Bursaspor doctors have carried out tests on Mikel and they said the injury is not too serious.''

The 24-year-old Mikel has featured for the national team in four of their last five matches, and was a non-playing substitute against South Africa in an African Cup of Nations qualifier back in June.

Victor Moses, Elderson Echiejile, Odion Ighalo and Moses Simon had to pull out of the Super Eagles squad due to injuries, while Mainz defender Leon Balogun is short of match fitness.

But it is not looking all bleak as John Ogu returned to Hapoel Beer Sheva starting line-up in Sunday night's fixture against Maccabi Petach Tikva after missing the last three games.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel