'I have other centre-backs' - Peseiro on Troost-Ekong's unavailability vs Sao Tome and Principe

Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro did not give much away when asked to comment on the unavailability of William Troost-Ekong for his side's meeting with Sao Tome and Principe in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Monday afternoon - his second competitive game as coach of the three-time African champions.

Troost-Ekong was not part of the 25-player traveling party that landed in the southern Moroccan city of Agadir on Sunday morning having returned to his base in England to attend to an injury he suffered against Sierra Leone.

The Watford centre-back was stretchered off in the second half against the Leone Stars and a groin injury has been diagnosed by the Nigeria Football Federation medical team.

Peseiro's options to replace Troost-Ekong at centre-back are Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, Calvin Bassey and Chidozie Awaziem.

Asked if a new face will be at the back, Peseiro said at the pre-match press conference : "Ekong is not here but I have other players, I have other centre-backs.

"Of course we want to improve our defensive process. Should be able to play a good centre-back."

Troost-Ekong is the only player who has gone the distance in each of the last twelve games played by the Super Eagles, a run that will end on Monday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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