Eguavoen considering Dennis, Awoniyi if Oshimhen remains unfit

Super Eagles Interim manager Austin Eguavoen says he will consider strikers Emmanuel Dennis and Taiwo Awoniyi if first-choice Victor Oshimhen remains unfit.

The 23-year old Oshimhen has been out of action since November after a crushing facial injury while [laying for Italian side Napoli against Inter Milan.

With gashing injuries to his left eye and cheek bone, Oshimhen underwent surgery and has commenced light training.

While most Nigerians want him fit in time for the 2022 AFCON in Cameroun next month, coach Eguavoen is already making contingency plans.

“Firstly, we hope that he is recovered, that he fully recovered from his injury and that the club will allow him to join the team,” Eguavoen said in a chat with sports radio Brila FM.

“However, if this does not happen, I am sure that Victor would be cheering. for the success of the team. We also have other players like (Taiwo) Awoniyi and (Emmanuel) Dennis .”

Editor’s Pick:

• Watford Coach Ranieri Hails ‘Fantastic’ Emmanuel Dennis
• Dennis Scores, Ekong Concedes Penalty In Watford League Loss
• Bundesliga: Awoniyi Shines In Berlin Derby Win
• Taiwo Awoniyi Nets 9th Bundesliga Goal

Choice

Initially, it was feared that Oshimhen would be out till February.

Already clubside Napoli were making plans to block his trip to Cameroun in a bid to keep him for Serie A duties.

Since he got injured, Napoli have dropped from the top to fourth position and barely qualified for the knock-out stage of the Europa League.

But teh absence of Oshimhen may be a blessing for the Nigerian duo of Dennis and Awoniyi.

This is because both strikers have been on fire for their club sides Watford (England) and FC Union Berlin (Germany) respectively.

Dennis has netted 7 goals and was voted Watford player of the month twice (August and November).

On the other hand, Awoniyi has also been in fine form.

He has banged in 9 goals to push Union Berlin to sixth position and the next round of the Europa Confluence League.

Yet both players were never given a firm chance with the Nigerian national team set-up.

Eguavoen has vowed to stick with the team assembled by sacked manager Gernot Rohr, but this could be the chance for the aforementioned strikers to make their stake count for Nigeria.

Mazino Dickson