Super Eagles sweat over Ndah’s fitness ahead of AFCON qualifiers

• Olisa Ndah may miss Nigeria’s upcoming AFCON qualifiers due to injury
• He played a key role in the Pirates' 3-0 win over Polokwane City in the South African League (PSL)
• Super Eagles defender Ndah made a substitute appearance in the 3-0 win over Benin Republic

Orlando Pirates' formidable defender Olisa Ndah might miss the Super Eagles' crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Libya. With Nigeria set to host the Mediterranean Knights on October 11, and a return leg four days later in Benina, Ndah’s fitness issues have raised alarm bells. 

Ndah’s expected call-up to Austin Eguavoen’s Super Eagles squad was nearly certain, especially after his consistent displays for Pirates. His recent stellar form, crowned by a Man of the Match performance in a 3-0 thrashing of Polokwane City in the Premier Soccer League, has made his absence all the more concerning as Eguavoen’s men might miss a reliable player for the clash. 

However, the 26-year-old Nigerian missed his club's last game against Richards Bay due to an injury, casting a cloud of doubt over his availability for the AFCON double-header. He had suffered a knock in the Polokwane City game, forcing him to be substituted.

Pirates head coach, José Riveiro, confirmed the injury, 

“In our last game against Polokwane City, both Olisa Ndah and Monnapule Saleng were subbed because of different injuries, actually, we’re not 100% sure they will be available for the MTN8 final against Stellenbosch.”

Ndah's return to Nigeria’s national team, after a two-year absence, had been a joyous moment. The defender made his comeback as a second-half substitute during Nigeria’s 3-0 victory over Benin Republic in Uyo but watched from the bench as the Super Eagles drew with Rwanda in their second qualifier. His injury couldn’t have come at a worse time, dampening hopes of building on his recent national team call-up.

Previously reflecting on his return to the Super Eagles squad last month, Ndah expressed his surprise at being recalled. 

“I think it’s an opportunity. I’m really excited for it, but I wasn’t expecting it at all. It’s just an opportunity given to me by the club, which I appreciate. The selection process for the national team has been great, you can’t make everyone happy, but the choices have been excellent, and I’m just happy to be part of it,” he stated.

Super Eagles star’s future in doubt amid performance issues and international interest

Previously, TheRadar reported that Nigerian forward Samuel Chukwueze’s move to AC Milan seemed full of promise, but the Nigerian international was yet to replicate his stunning form from Villarreal in Italy. 

However, sources have reported that Chukwueze “could be on his way out of Milan,” with La Liga and Premier League clubs keen to offer him a fresh start. Atletico Madrid, in particular, seems interested in bringing him back to Spain. Premier League sides West Ham United and Aston Villa are also monitoring the situation.