Yobo doubtful as Nigeria camp in Nairobi
May 24, 2007
UGANDA’S Nations Cup qualifying opponents Nigeria could make next week’s explosive fixture without rock-solid defender Joseph Yobo. The Super Eagles’ assistant team captain is struggling to recover from a groin injury that might keep him out of the high-profile game at Namboole.
By Fred Kaweesi
and Reuben Olita
Nations Cup qualifier
Friendly match
Tomorrow, at Nakivubo
Uganda v Tanzania
Group 3, return leg, June 2
Uganda v Nigeria
UGANDA’S Nations Cup qualifying opponents Nigeria could make next week’s explosive fixture without rock-solid defender Joseph Yobo.
The Super Eagles’ assistant team captain is struggling to recover from a groin injury that might keep him out of the high-profile game at Namboole.
Yobo, who turns out for English Premiership outfit Everton, told Nigerian publication Kick Off: “I am struggling right now with groin and back problems.
At the moment, I am taking treatment at my club and I hope I will be fit for the match but at this time, it is still fifty-fiftyâ€.
The 26-year old defender will have two days of rehabilitation at Everton as a desperate measure towards regaining his fitness for the fixture the Super Eagles regard as a ‘must win’.
“I had planned to leave on Friday for Kenya, but I want to take two extra days with the medical staff here at Everton. Those two extra days will do me a world of good,†the defender stated.
“If it were any other match, I don’t think I would have come. But this game is very important to us and that is why we all have to be there to make sure we put in our very best.â€
Yobo equalled an Everton club 20-year record after playing in every second of Toffees’ Premiership campaign.
Meanwhile, Nigeria assistant coach Austin Eguavoen and officials Enedi Ekundayo and Sanusi Mohammed arrived in Nairobi yesterday to prepare camp for the Super Eagles team. The rest of the Super Eagles contingent is expected today for a build-up with Kenya on Sunday at Kasarani.
and Reuben Olita
Nations Cup qualifier
Friendly match
Tomorrow, at Nakivubo
Uganda v Tanzania
Group 3, return leg, June 2
Uganda v Nigeria
UGANDA’S Nations Cup qualifying opponents Nigeria could make next week’s explosive fixture without rock-solid defender Joseph Yobo.
The Super Eagles’ assistant team captain is struggling to recover from a groin injury that might keep him out of the high-profile game at Namboole.
Yobo, who turns out for English Premiership outfit Everton, told Nigerian publication Kick Off: “I am struggling right now with groin and back problems.
At the moment, I am taking treatment at my club and I hope I will be fit for the match but at this time, it is still fifty-fiftyâ€.
The 26-year old defender will have two days of rehabilitation at Everton as a desperate measure towards regaining his fitness for the fixture the Super Eagles regard as a ‘must win’.
“I had planned to leave on Friday for Kenya, but I want to take two extra days with the medical staff here at Everton. Those two extra days will do me a world of good,†the defender stated.
“If it were any other match, I don’t think I would have come. But this game is very important to us and that is why we all have to be there to make sure we put in our very best.â€
Yobo equalled an Everton club 20-year record after playing in every second of Toffees’ Premiership campaign.
Meanwhile, Nigeria assistant coach Austin Eguavoen and officials Enedi Ekundayo and Sanusi Mohammed arrived in Nairobi yesterday to prepare camp for the Super Eagles team. The rest of the Super Eagles contingent is expected today for a build-up with Kenya on Sunday at Kasarani.