 Aghahowa has been forced out by injury |
Ukraine-based Julius Aghahowa has pulled out of Nigeria's squad for next month's World Cup qualifier against Algeria due to a leg injury. "Aghahowa told me he is yet to fully recover from the leg injury that has kept him out of action and will miss the Algeria game," said Nigerian FA secretary general Taiwo Ogunjobi.
The Shaktar Donetsk striker has not played for Nigeria since this year's African Nations Cup finals in Tunisia.
Aghahowa had been included in Nigeria's 22-strong squad for the qualifier to be played in Abuja on 3 July.
Ogunjobi said: "Aghahowa will leave for Germany for further treatment but we still have other key players that should help us beat Algeria."
Meanwhile, striker Rabiu Baita will be out of action for at least six weeks after suffering a leg fracture during the Super Eagles' World Cup qualifier against Angola last Sunday.
"An x-ray we did in Angola showed he suffered a fracture on his right leg and will be out of action for six weeks," said Nigeria team doctor Mu'azu Abdulkadir.
Baita, 19, on loan at Belgian side Ghent last season from Paris Saint Germain, had to be replaced in the second half after a late tackle during a Group Four match in Luanda which the hosts won with a late goal.
Another player, Ifeanyi Ekwueme, also sprained his ankle against the Angolans but doctors are confident he will be fit for the clash with the Desert Foxes.
MMIX
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