Gift Orban, a forward for Gent, was unable to play in Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome and Principe on Sunday due to an injury he sustained in training on Friday. He missed the team’s last training session on Saturday night and had to watch the game from the sidelines.
Orban was one of three players who were called up for the final qualifier, along with Victor Boniface and Jordan Torunarigha. He had a good start to the new season, scoring six goals in nine appearances for his Belgian club, but will now have to wait to make his debut for the three-time African champions.
Torunarigha was also unable to make his debut for the Eagles, as he was not called into action in the 6-0 win over the Selecao. Jose Peseiro preferred Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey at the heart of the defence, while Ola Aina and Onyaemechi Bruno started as full-backs.
• Gift Orban was ruled out of Nigeria’s AFCON qualifier due to an injury in training.
• He was one of three debutants called up for the game.
• Torunarigha was also not called into action.
