Jamilu Collins joins Awoniyi, Ola Aina to pull out Super Eagles squad for friendlies

South Africa’s Percy Tau look up for the ball with Nigeria’s Collins Jamilu during the African Cup of Nations qualifier match between South Africa and Nigeria on November 17, 2018 at Soccer City Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by PHILL MAGAKOE / AFP)

Cardiff City defender Jamilu Collins has joined the Nottingham Forest duo of Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina in pulling out of the Super Eagles’ friendly matches in October.

The Super Eagles confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday that Collins has been replaced by Chidozie Awaziem of Boavista for the games against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.

Ahough, no reason was given for Collins’ withdrawal, the Cardiff left full-back has now become the third Super Eagles player to pull out of the team’s two friendly matches.

The first two players to withdraw on Sunday were Awoniyi and Aina with both Forest stars nursing different injuries and they will be on the sidelines for a few more weeks.

While Umar Sadiq of Real Sociedad has come in to take the place of Awoniyi who has a groin problem, Tyronne Ebuehi of Empoli has replaced Aina who is out with an ankle injury.

Awoniyi has been ruled out for a lengthy period of time. Reds boss Steve Cooper confirmed before their match against Crystal Palace that the front man is expected to be out for up to a month.

The Super Eagles will take on Saudi Arabia on Friday, 13 October before facing Mozambique on Monday, 16 October with both friendly games set to take place in Portugal.

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