Jamil Muhammad Ruled Out For Rest Of U20 World Cup; Nigeria Sweat Over Fitness Of Two Key Defenders

Published: May 29, 2019

The Nigeria Football Federation have announced that Kano Pillars star Jamil Muhammad will no longer take to the field for the rest of the FIFA U20 World Cup after suffering an injury against the United States on Monday.

It will be recalled that the Nigeria number 15 had to play through the pain barrier in the 2-0 loss to the Americans as he couldn't be replaced because manager Paul Aigbogun had used up all his substitutes.

The decision to stay on the pitch instead of watching the rest of the game from the sidelines worsened his injury problem.

Nigeria are sweating over the fitness of first choice right back Rabiu Muhammad and central defender Valentine Ozornwafor ahead of Thursday's final Group D clash vs Ukraine after the duo picked up knocks against the Americans.

The two defenders were fit enough to take part in Tuesday's sessions without much problems and they will be observed in today's workout which starts at 1800 hours local time.

With a goal difference of plus 2, Nigeria must avoid defeat against the Ukrainians at the Stadion Miejski (Bielsko-Biała) to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout rounds.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel