Eguavoen provides an update on Awaziem fitness

The Alanyaspor defender has been a notable absence for the Super Eagles but Eguavoen has revealed the reason for his absence

Super Eagles interim boss Augustine Eguavoen has revealed that the reason Super Eagles defender Chidozie Awaziem has not participated in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations games is because he was sick and had an ankle injury.

The former Porto man is one of Nigeria’s best centre backs. With the absence of Leon Balogun at the AFCON due to injury, Awaziem was expected to pair with William Troost-Ekong at centre-back.

However, Awaziem has been absent in all of Nigeria’s games at the African showpiece, although Kenneth Omeruo has filled the void with ease.

Ahead of the game against Guinea-Bissau, Eguavoen opened up on Awaziem’s situation.

“Awaziem was sick and had an issue with his ankle, it’s a bit difficult, but we will see if he will be part of the team tomorrow,” Eguavoen said at the pre-match conference.

Nigeria face Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday in their final group stage game. But the Super Eagles have already qualified for the knockout rounds.

If Awaziem is fit enough, he could get a run in to achieve match fitness.