Nigeria’s Flying Eagles have been dealt a huge blow just days before jetting out to Chile for the FIFA U-20 World Cup, as dependable right-back Adamu Maigari has been ruled out through injury.
The unfortunate setback was confirmed on the closing day of the team’s training camp, leaving players and coaches stunned.
Maigari, regarded as the finest in his position among his peers, has been instrumental in the team’s recent exploits.
He shone brightly in the WAFU qualifiers and was ever-reliable at the U-20 AFCON, where his outstanding display in the third-place playoff against Egypt earned him the Man of the Match award.
While doctors are confident he will make a complete recovery, the timing of the injury means the 19-year-old will miss the global showpiece.
His absence now forces head coach and technical staff to reshuffle their backline, with the World Cup opener fast approaching.
