Super Eagles defender Olisa Ndah, who plays for South Africa’s Orlando Pirates, is facing a race against time to be fit for the upcoming 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Libya. Ndah missed Orlando Pirates’ recent 1-0 win over Richards Bay due to an injury, and the club’s head coach, Riveiro, revealed that he may also be unavailable for the next match against Stellenbosch. Both Ndah and teammate Monnapule Saleng were substituted in their previous game against Polokwane City due to injuries, raising concerns over their availability for upcoming fixtures.
Coach Riveiro emphasized that the team is treating every match as a final and is not resting players deliberately but is concerned about their fitness levels.
Editorial
The news of Olisa Ndah’s injury could be a significant blow for Nigeria’s Super Eagles as they prepare for the 2025 AFCON qualifiers. Injuries are part and parcel of football, but for a defender of Ndah’s calibre, this setback comes at a crucial time. As fans of Nigerian football, we understand the importance of having key players like Ndah fully fit, especially when important international competitions are on the horizon.
Ndah’s absence from Orlando Pirates’ match against Richards Bay underscores the seriousness of his condition, and it is clear that the club is handling his recovery with caution. This approach is wise, as rushing him back too soon could exacerbate the problem, potentially sidelining him for a longer period. However, we can’t help but hope that Ndah makes a swift recovery in time for the AFCON qualifiers, as his presence in defence will be vital for Nigeria.
The Super Eagles coaching staff must now consider their options, preparing for the possibility that Ndah may not be available. Injuries provide opportunities for other players to step up, and we are confident that the depth of Nigeria’s squad will be tested. Nonetheless, we join the fans in hoping that Ndah’s recovery goes smoothly and that he returns to action sooner rather than later.
Did You Know?
- Olisa Ndah was part of the Nigerian squad that won a bronze medal at the 2019 U23 Africa Cup of Nations.
- Ndah joined Orlando Pirates in 2021 after playing for Akwa United in the Nigerian Professional Football League NPFL.
- The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON will be the 35th edition of the tournament, and it will be hosted in Guinea.
- FIFA’s regulations allow players recovering from injuries to withdraw from national team duties if they are deemed unfit by their club medical staff.
- The Super Eagles have won the AFCON three times, with their most recent victory coming in 2013.
