Super Eagles Media Officer, Toyin Ibitoye has disclosed why Bordeaux winger, Samuel Kalu withdrew from Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying squad that will tackle Seychelles on Friday.
We recall that Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, a few days ago, called up 23 players for his side’s two matches against Seychelles and Egypt on March 23 and 26.
Ibitoye has now explained that Kalu withdrew from Nigeria’s squad because the 21-year-old was suffering from a minor muscle contracture.
He also said that the recent kidnap of the player’s mother was another reason for his omission.
Withinnigeria recalls that Kalu’s mother, Madam Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu, was rescued by the Abia State Police Command after she was kidnapped earlier this month.
”Kalu is suffering from a minor muscle contracture which prevented him from participating in the game,” Ibitoye was quoted by Footballlive as saying ahead of Seychelles’ clash on Friday.
”And most importantly, he has to take care of his mother (after the kidnapping episode). It’s not easy for him. We’ll see when he can come back,” he said.
Kalu has represented Nigeria five times, scoring one goal, since he made his international debut in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Seychelles in September 2018.
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