Ajayi and Ogbu may miss Jordan game after both sat out yesterday's training session

SUPER Eagles centrebacks Semi Ajayi and Igor Ogbu might miss Nigeria's game against Jordan on Tuesday after both of them sat out training yesterday after picking up injuries in Friday's game against Iran that led to them being substituted.

In the match played at Turkey's Antalya Stadium on Friday, Nigeria beat Iran 2-1 in the opening match of a four-nation tournament that includes Costa Rica and Jordan. On Tuesday, Nigeria is due to face Jordan, who played a 2-2 draw with the Central American team in their opening match.

Nigeria started the game against Iran with a centreback pairing of Ajayi and Ogbu, who were solid during the first half, keeping the Iranians well at bay. However, Ajayi, who plays for English Championship side Hull City, was substituted at halftime, with Emmanuel Fernandez coming on in his place and Ogbu, was substituted in the 56th minute after appearing to sustain an injury.

Ogbu of Czech Republic side Slavia Prague, was replaced by debutant Chibuike Nwaiwu, who plies his trade with Turkish Süper Lig club Trabzonspor. Yesterday, when the team trained, both Ajayi and Ogbu were absent and is feared that this may be as a result of the injuries they picked up, which may lead to them missing the Jordan game.

Nine of the 11 players who started the Iran game took part in light jogging exercises yesterday with Ajayi and Ogbu absent. Their absence may just be a precaution aimed at avoiding further complications, however.

With further training sessions scheduled for Sunday and Monday, there remains a possibility that both defenders could be available for selection. Nigeria is already down to the bare bones in this area of the pitch as Fulham's Calvin Bassey pulled out of camp with an injury and Benjamin Fredrick of Belgian side Dender, is on his way back to full fitness after having knee surgery in November last year.