.Minister’s aide visits recuperating Simon in France
Newly appointed Super Eagles coach, George Finidi, and top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) are said to be having sleepless night over the increasing number of players on injury list.
The Super Eagles face a double-header clash against South Africa and Benin Republic in June.
Barely 12 hours after top striker, Samuel Chukwueze, sustained injury while playing for AC Milan on Monday, May 13, Victor Osihmen joined the injury list while playing for Napoli FC.
Unless a miracle happens, Bruno Onyemaechi’s knee injury may have ruled him out for the remaining games of the season, which means the defender stands no chance of being a part of Nigeria’s qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
With Super Eagles in the Group C of the qualifiers currently behind Rwanda and South Africa, Osimhen, Chukwueze, Bruno Onyemaechi, Tyrone Ebuehi, Moses Simon, Zaidu Sanusi may not be available for Finidi in the qualification race, a setback now giving the coach and NFF top officials major concern.
However, a statement from Napoli has said that Osimhen has undergone a recovery work for a muscle strain, which means he could be available for the Super Eagles in June.
Meanwhile, Sports Minister, John Enoh, has sent words across to Super Eagles winger, Moses Simon, and other players and other Nigerian athletes facing injury layoffs speed recovery.
According to reports, the Minister’s message was conveyed to Simon in Nantes, France, by his Special Assistant on Grassroots, Anthony Adeboye Adeyinka, on Thursday, to demonstrate his solidarity and support to Nigerian athletes currently injured.
Adeyinka extended the Minister’s regards to Simon, affirming government’s support and well wishes for his swift recuperation.
He assured Simon of government’s solidarity and emphasised the Minister’s directive to convey his best wishes personally.
“I am here on behalf of the Honourable Minister, Senator John Owan Enoh, to extend our solidarity and support to you during this challenging time,” said Adeyinka. “The Minister instructed me to convey his greetings and assure you that the Government is fully behind you, wishing you a quick and complete recovery.”
Simon expressed his appreciation for the Minister’s leadership and commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of Nigerian athletes, both past and present saying: “I am delighted to see you, and I appreciate the Minister’s thoughtful gesture. His leadership and demonstrated passion for the welfare of athletes like myself reaffirm our confidence in the Government’s support system. I am grateful for the encouragement and well wishes,” Simon said.
