Ogbu out of Nigeria's match against Portugal due to injury

Super Eagles defender Igoh Ogbu will miss Wednesday’s friendly match against Portugal in Leiria. He injured his left Achilles tendon during a training session on Saturday evening. Medical staff suspect a rupture from the injury he picked up while training. He received treatment right there on the field but could not continue with the session.

Ogbu is set to have more scans soon to check how serious the injury is. Officials from the national team have already warned that this could be a long-term issue. This news is a big setback for Nigeria as they prepare for one of their biggest games during this international break. Coach Eric Chelle is already facing challenges with his squad.

Nigeria is missing captain Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, both of whom pulled out due to the long season with their clubs. Ola Aina is also out after struggling with injury at the end of his club season. Losing Ogbu adds to the coach's worries.

Nigeria will face a strong Portugal team, which just welcomed their Paris Saint-Germain players back into the squad. Nuno Mendes, Vitinha, João Neves, and Gonçalo Ramos joined the national team on Saturday after winning the Champions League final against Arsenal last weekend. All four are likely to play against Nigeria, fitness allowing, giving coach Roberto Martínez a strong team to work with.

Ogbu, who is 26 years old, has become an important player for the Super Eagles thanks to his good performances in Europe. His absence will be felt even more because he has faced several injuries throughout his career that have kept him off the pitch both at club and international levels.

Nigeria recently won the Unity Cup in London, beating Zimbabwe and Jamaica. They also drew 2-2 with Poland in Warsaw, where they took the lead twice.

Nigeria and Portugal have played against each other only once at the senior level. This match was a friendly before the World Cup in Lisbon on November 17, 2022, which ended badly for Nigeria with a 4-0 loss. Bruno Fernandes scored two goals, and Gonçalo Ramos and João Mário added one each. Nigeria also missed a penalty from Emmanuel Dennis.

The rematch will happen at the Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria, with kick-off in the afternoon. Portugal is taking this match seriously as they prepare for the World Cup. Goalkeeper José Sá mentioned that it will help the team get ready tactically for the tournament.