Only 2 wins in 10 games without Ndidi : Eguavoen insists he's not losing sleep over Leicester ace

Nigeria's caretaker boss Augustine Eguavoen has made it clear that he's not losing sleep over the absence of Wilfred Ndidi for the 2022 World Cup playoff versus Ghana, saying he has several players who can step into the shoes of the Leicester City holding midfielder.

In the last ten matches Ndidi was not in the squad, the Super Eagles have managed to win only two games, drawn six and lost twice.

Without Ndidi available for selection, the Super Eagles defeated Cape Verde and Central African Republic in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, played draws against Sierra Leone (2) in 2021 AFCON qualifying, Tunisia, Ukraine, Zimbabwe and Uganda in friendlies, while their loses were against Central African Republic and Algeria.

The former Racing Genk ace was forced to withdraw from the 25-man Super Eagles roster after tests revealed that he suffered a serious knee injury during the Europa Conference League match against Rennes last Thursday.

Eguavoen handed a late call-up to Lorient ace Innocent Bonke as a replacement for Ndidi and he can also call upon other defensive midfielders Frank Onyeka, Oghenekaro Etebo and Joe Aribo for the games against the Black Stars.

West Brom's Semi Ajayi and Omonia Nicosia's Abdullahi Shehu, who are defenders, are capable of playing as defensive midfielders, should the need arise.

Speaking at Wednesday's pre-match press conference, Eguavoen stated : "We wish Wilfred Ndidi speedy recovery, he's an important player for our national team but it's not going to change anything.

"We have a couple of players who can play in that position and they've been watching him. The philosophy will not change, the style of play will not change, only personnel will change a little bit.

"I am not going to tell you who is going to take over from him because we have a lot to pick from."

Ifeanyi Emmanuel