France-based Innocent Bonke has been handed a late call-up to the Nigeria squad for the 2022 Fifa World Cup African playoffs doubleheader with Ghana.
The 26-year-old FC Lorient midfielder has been drafted to the squad to replace Wilfred Ndidi who sustained a suspected knee injury while featuring for Leicester City in the Europa Conference League Thursday night.
The setback effectively rules Ndidi out of both games against the Black Stars in Kumasi on March 25 and in Abuja 4 days later.
Filling the void, coach Austin Eguavoen has decided to fall on Bonke who was not even among the provisional squad announced weeks ago.
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The nature of Bonke’s invitation means he will be part of Nigeria’s final 24-man squad that will head to Kumasi on Wednesday, March 23.
The former Malmo FF player made his Super Eagles debut when they faced Cape Verde over two legs in the group stage of the World Cup qualifiers in September last year.
