2022 WCQ: Everton star becomes third Premier League player to pull out of Nigeria squad

Published: October 01, 2021

Everton star Alex Iwobi has become the third Premier League player to pull out of the Nigeria squad ahead of the upcoming 2022 World Cup qualifying matches against Central African Republic this month.

The Arsenal-reared winger has joined Watford ace Oghenekaro Etebo and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi in the treatment room and won't be traveling to Africa to link up with his international teammates early next week.

The Nigeria Football Federation conformed on Friday evening that Lorient striker Terem Moffi has been called up to replace the injured Iwobi.

Toffees boss Rafa Benitez played down Iwobi's injury at the pre-match press conference before the visit to Manchester United, saying that his number 17 has a 'little problem'.

At the moment, Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr will not be able to count on the services of two players in Nigeria's ideal starting line-up in the shape of Iwobi and Ndidi

Iwobi was one of the standout players as the Super Eagles began World Cup qualifying, setting up the two goals scored by Kelechi Iheanacho against Liberia, and was named Most Valuable Player.

Nigeria will face Central African Republic at the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos on Thursday, October 7, while the Day 4 match will take place in Douala, Cameroon on Sunday, October 10.

Igho Kingsley

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