Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho and Bursaspor defender Shehu Abdullahi were left out of Tuesday night’s friendly with Serbia due to injuries.
Super Eagles coach, Gernot Rohr, revealed that the 21-year-old fractured his right hand while Abdullahi is also nursing a knock.
Iheanacho who played in the No.10 role against Poland in the absence of Mikel Obi failed to live up to the heights expected of him in the encounter before he was replaced.
The former Manchester City forward trained away from the main group along with Okechukwu Gabriel, Stephen Eze and Oghenekaro Etebo, who also did not take part in the main session.
“He (Iheanacho is out) but that is an opportunity for other players to come in and prove what they can do,” Rohr said during his pre-match conference on Monday ahead of the Serbia game.
Rohr also stated that he is pleased with the two goalkeepers in the team but rued Daniel Akpeyi absence.
“One of our goalkeepers (Akpeyi) had a problem with entry visa but so far I’m pleased with the two we have here. Ezenwa and Uzoho,” Rohr said.
“At the moment I’m satisfied with the young one (Uzoho). Before he arrived we were a young team and he’s here now and it’s good for the future.
“Other players in the team are helping him to do well in terms of positioning during corners.”
Rohr made three changes for the Serbia clash.
Tyronne Ebuehi comes in for Shehu while Ogenyi Onazi replaces Iheanacho.
Odion Ighalo drops to the bench with Ahmed Musa preferred.
Nigeria XI vs Serbia: Francis Uzoho, Ebuehi, William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Bryan Idowu, Joel Obi, Wilfred Ndidi, Onazi (c), Ahmed Musa, Victor Moses, Alex Iwobi
