Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu is set to undergo a medical scan in Lisbon after suffering an injury ahead of Nigeria’s international friendly against Portugal, Footynaija.com reports.
The Slavia Prague centre-back picked up the injury during Saturday’s training session as Eric Chelle’s side stepped up preparations for Wednesday’s high-profile clash against the World Cup-bound Europeans at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria.
While initial reports suggested that Ogbu had already left the Super Eagles camp and returned to the Czech Republic, the team’s media officer, Promise Efoghe, has dismissed those claims.
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Team officials confirmed that 22 players participated in Sunday’s training session, with Ogbu remaining with the squad as medical staff continued to assess his condition.
The 26-year-old is now scheduled to undergo further scans in Lisbon on Monday to determine the full extent of the injury.
According to reports, there are fears that Ogbu may have sustained an Achilles tendon problem, with Complete Sports also reporting that the defender has already been ruled out of the friendly against Portugal. However, an official diagnosis is expected following the medical examination.
Ogbu featured prominently for Nigeria during last month’s Unity Cup invitational tournament in London and has continued to establish himself as an important member of Chelle’s squad following his impressive performances for Czech champions Slavia Prague.
The former Gombe United defender has enjoyed a steady rise through the ranks in Europe, representing Rosenborg, Sogndal and Lillestrom before making his mark in Prague.
His absence would represent a significant blow for Chelle, who is already without several key players as Nigeria prepare for a stern test against Roberto Martinez’s star-studded Portugal side.
