World Cup qualifiers: Ndidi names 4 key players Super Eagles are missing

Super Eagles stand-in captain Wilfred Ndidi has attributed Nigeria's poor performance in the World Cup qualifiers to the absence of some key players from the squad.

The team was held to a 1-1 draw against Bafana Bafana at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium before losing 2-1 to Benin Republic in their next encounter.

Prior to games against South Africa and Benin, the three-time African champions had drawn their first two games against Lesotho and Zimbabwe.

These results put Finidi George's side in a precarious situation in need of a miracle to salvage their World Cup campaign.

Ndidi believes that the absence of the likes of Victor Osimhen, William Troost-Ekong, Ola Aina and Ahmed Musa has affected the team.

Osimhen was ruled out of the qualifiers due to injury, whereas Ahmed Musa and Troost-Ekong were not given call up due to lack of match fitness.

“For me, these players are very key to us, they are experienced players.

“For everything, the team comes first, when players are not available, they are always good players to fill up those positions.

“The team is always ready for this and though we miss those players, no doubt, it doesn’t change the fact that we actually want to qualify for the World Cup.”

WDN