Super Eagles defenders Ajayi, Ogbu skip training before Jordan friendly

Two key Super Eagles defenders—Hull City's Semi Ajayi and Slavia Prague's Igoh Ogbu—skipped Saturday's recovery training as Nigeria preps for Tuesday's friendly against Jordan. Both started Friday's 2-1 win over Iran but were subbed off: Ajayi at halftime (Emmanuel Fernandez replaced him) and Ogbu in the 56th minute after appearing injured (debutant Chibuike Nwaiwu came on). Coach Eric Chelle hasn't explained Ajayi's substitution or the severity of Ogbu's injury. Video from the Super Eagles' media team showed nine of the eleven Iran starters doing light jogging, but Ajayi and Ogbu were absent. With training Sunday and Monday before the Jordan match, there's still a chance both could play if it's just precaution. For Nigerian football fans: With the defense potentially missing two experienced starters from the 2025 AFCON bronze-winning team, what should Chelle do? Risk them if not fully fit? Or trust the replacements who performed well against Iran? How do you balance short-term match needs with long-term player fitness for a team building toward 2026 World Cup qualifiers?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/03/29/two-key-super-eagles-players-miss-training-ahead-of-jordan-friendly/