Nigeria international defender Godfrey Oboabona will miss Wednesday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifying game against South Africa as a result of suspension, Super Sport reports.
The 24-year-old was booked in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Congo in Pointe-Noire on November 15 and will now miss Wednesday’s game against Bafana Bafana as a result.
Oboabona, who gave away a penalty as a result of handling the ball inside the penalty area, has since spoken about his innocence.
“The ball hit me in the hand but it was never a penalty. I spoke to the referee (Ghead Zaglol Grisha ) immediately after he pointed to the spot and told him he had made a mistake.
“I told him that Congo striker Thievy Bifouma would not score the penalty because it was not a penalty.
“When (Nigeria goalkeeper Vincent) Enyeama saved it, the referee just looked and me and smiled,” Oboabona told supersport.com on Monday.
The Super Eagles will now very likely parade a relatively weakened backline against Bafana on Wednesday with Kenneth Omeruo facing a race against time to be fully recovered from a groin strain.
Efe Ambrose was largely off the pace against Congo on Saturday with many linking his lackluster display to the former Warri Wolves man losing his place in the Celtic first team.
Hope Akpan is definitely ruled out of the game on Wednesday with a dislocated shoulder and Oboaboana’s absence is certain to create a further void in the Nigeria backline.
The Caykur Rizespor defender is, however, certain the team can cope effectively in his absence.
“We are all professionals. I don’t think the team will be weak because I am not there.
“The coach (Stephen Keshi) called up 26 players and anyone who is picked to play against South Africa in my absence will do well,” he said.
Nigeria currently sit in second place in Group B of 2015 Afcon qualifying with seven points from five games and will qualify for the finals if they defeat South Africa by any margin on Wednesday.