Peseiro calls up replacements for Aina, Awoniyi and Collins who pull out of forthcoming friendlies

SUPER Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro has called up three replacements for the injured England based trio who have had to pull out of this month's friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique due to injuries.

On October 13 and 16, Nigeria faces the two teams respectively in Portugal and originally, Mr Peseiro had invited the English trio of Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina, both of Nottingham Forest and Jamilu Collins of Cardiff City. However, all three have had to withdraw with injury, so have been replaced with Sadiq Umar of Spanish side Real Sociedad, Tyronne Ebuehi of Italian club Empoli and Chigozie Awaziem of Portuguese team Boavista.

Awoniyi will be sidelined for a month due to a groin injury, while clubmate Aina sustained an injury with an uncertain return date, making him unavailable for the upcoming friendly games. Collins, the Cardiff City left-back has also pulled out of the games although no reason was given for his withdrawal.

Despite Umar’s goal drought this season since his return from a lengthy injury spell, Mr Peseiro sees him as the best solution to replace Awoniyi.  Ebuehi on the other hand has been putting in impressive performances for Empoli, making him a suitable replacement for Aina.

There is growing speculation suggesting that Bright Osayi-Samuel and Jordan Torunarigha may not be fit for the matches and may have to withdraw too. So far, neither player has officially pulled out but if they do, Mr Peseiro may have to call up replacements.