Eguavoen's latest update on Jamilu Collins throws up more questions than answers

Published: January 10, 2022

Nigeria's caretaker manager Augustine Eguavoen continues to be evasive over the availability of SC Paderborn defender Jamilu Collins for the Africa Cup of Nations, a day before the Super Eagles begin their campaign against Egypt.

Twelve days after the invited players were instructed to report for international duty for the AFCON, Collins is yet to show up in camp despite the fact that the 2. Bundesliga has been paused until January 14.

The left-back has not featured for Paderborn since he was replaced at halftime in a 1-1 draw with Hansa Rostock on November 28 and was a non-playing substitute in the next three games.

There's more than meets the eye regarding the absence of Collins in Cameroon as he has not participated in Paderborn's two friendly matches of 2022, against Wolfsburg (Jan 4) and Verl (Jan 8).

Eguavoen is 'hoping' that Collins eventually links up with his international teammates in Cameroon later today.

Asked to provide an update on the situation with Collins, Eguavoen told reporters at Monday's press conference "Hopefully Jamilu Collins will be arriving tonight. He had some issues with his club, it has been sorted out so we are expecting him tonight".

Whether or not Collins joins the Nigeria squad, Porto star Zaidu Sanusi is expected to be deployed at left-back against Egypt considering that the Paderborn defender has been inactive at his club for 43 days.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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