Injured Super Eagles defender Godfrey Obaobona was absent from the Super Eagles training in Campinas on Wednesday, despite coach Stephen Keshi’s assurance that the player could be fit in time for Saturday’s crucial clash with Bosnia-Hercegovina.
The Rizespor of Turkey defender was stretchered off the pitch in the first-half of Nigeria opening Group F draw against Iran at the Arena da Baixada in Curitiba.
The ex-Sunshine Stars centre-back sustained a foot injury, but subsequent scan revealed a deep cut on his limb but no fracture.
“Yes, I have received the medical reports on Godfrey and we are still hopeful that before the d-day he may still make it. Let’s just be hopeful because he is an important player in the team,” Keshi said on the player’s condition after Wednesday’s training.
Skipper Joseph Yobo is expected to start in place of the injured defender and earn his 99th international cap.
The African champions head for Cuiaba on Thursday morning for their penultimate group game against debutantes Bosnia at the Arena Pantanal.
Obaobona remains the only injury concern in the team, as the Eagles prepare to keep their hope of remaining in the World Cup alive.
Kick-off time is 11:00pm (Nigerian time).
