Glasgow Rangers star Joe Aribo was among the players namechecked by manager Gernot Rohr as he discussed the absence of his key players for the two friendlies against Cameroon.

The Super Eagles were facing a defensive crisis before the start of the training camp, with central defenders Kenneth Omeruo, Kevin Akpoguma, Leon Balogun and Semi Ajayi pulling out of the roster on account of injuries, while fullbacks Tyronne Ebuehi, Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi were also unavailable for selection.

Almeria qualifying for the LaLiga 2 playoffs denied Umar Sadiq the chance of making his senior debut for the national team.

Having found the net in his first two matches for the Super Eagles, Aribo has emerged as one of the untouchable players within the squad, starting all their matches when fit.

Speaking to the Super Eagles Media Team, Rohr said : "We have sixteen players who could not come. All these defenders - five central defenders - with two defensive midfielders Aribo, Onyeka.

"All the strikers who could not come, the wingers Kalu, Henry.  Osimhen and the others. Simy was invited also, even Sadiq could not come because of the playoffs.

"It was a different camping but we have some experience now, we are interested in the new players what they can do in this match tomorrow against Cameroon".

Former Charlton Athletic central midfielder Aribo has totaled seven appearances for the Super Eagles since debuting against Ukraine in September 2019.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel