Super Eagles Head Coach, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi, has moved swiftly to replace injured Monaco of France defence ace, Elderson Echejile, by recalling Ejike Uzoenyi who was initially dropped from the Super Eagles’ final 23-man squad announced early last week.
Also given a clean bill of health to feature at the World Cup starting in Brazil on Saturday is Chelsea of England defender, Kenneth Omeruo.
Speaking after the team’s lunch at its Hyatt Hotel base in Jacksonville, Florida, USA, Keshi said Omeruo, would be fit and ready for the opening game of the team against Iran, after clashing with a team mate in training three days ago. Omeruo’s clearance is coming after he went for a scan on his ankle yesterday morning. The coach, however, ruled Echejile out of the World Cup party, even though the player said claimed that he was feeling very well and would be ready soon.
“Doctors have said he will need up to three weeks to recover from the muscle tear but we don’t have that type of time to play with so we have to replace him”, Keshi said. Already petit Rangers International of Enugu winger, Ejike Uzoenyi, have been told to get ready to travel to Brazil to link up with his teammates for the Mundial as Echejile’s replacement. Uzoenyi was one of the seven players originally dropped from the 30-man provisional World Cup list drawn up by Keshi and his crew. The NFF leadership and world soccer governing body; FIFA have already been informed of the change and are expected to effect it immediately.