Ahead of their semi-final clash against hosts Senegal, Nigeria’s quest to qualify for Rio Olympics have suffered a major setback as striker Taiwo Awoniyi is reportedly injured. The Germany-based striker was substituted early in the second half in their third match against Algeria, a match which ended 0 – 0. Siasia’s team will also be without suspended skipper Azubuike Okechukwu and injured Stanley Dimgba. “Two important players are out and (Taiwo) Awoniyi is also injured,” Siasia announced. Action continues at the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal as Nigeria face hosts Senegal, while South Africa will slug it out with Algeria.
The Nigeria vs Senegal game which will decide one of tickets for next year’s Rio Olympics, will kick off by 4pm Nigerian time at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar. Meanwhile, a close aide to coach Samson Siasia has disclosed that the Dream Team VI is yet to receive any information from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the National Sports Commission as regards payment of allowances and bonuses.