SUPER Eagles midfielder Raphael Onyedika has received a major boost ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after the shoulder problem he suffered in Eintracht Frankfurt’s 2-2 draw with SC Freiburg was deemed not serious, leaving him free to join the national team.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that LigaInsider, citing the Wiesbadener Kurier, reported that there is no obstacle to Onyedika’s involvement during the international break and that the midfielder can travel as planned to join up with the Super Eagles.
The 25-year-old needed treatment after a 91st-minute duel with Freiburg substitute Lucas Höler during Saturday’s Bundesliga encounter at Deutsche Bank Park. He was in obvious pain but continued playing and saw out the final whistle after featuring for almost the entire match.
The injury concern had raised fears over his availability for Nigeria’s upcoming qualifiers, particularly with head coach Eric Chelle already dealing with injuries to several midfield options.
Frankfurt had taken the lead twice in the encounter. Younes Ebnoutalib opened the scoring in the 10th minute, but Derry Scherhant equalised for Freiburg in the 34th minute.
Jonathan Burkardt restored Frankfurt’s advantage just two minutes later, before Yuito Suzuki drew Freiburg level again in the 48th minute to complete the 2-2 scoreline.
The result left Frankfurt on five points from four games, while Freiburg remained unbeaten after four league matches.
Onyedika is now expected to be available when Nigeria host Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo on Friday, September 25, before the Super Eagles travel to Guinea-Bissau for another qualifier on Tuesday, September 29.
Chelle had named the midfielder in his 24-man squad, making him one of only four midfielders invited for the qualifiers, alongside Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka.
Chelle’s plans had already been dented by injuries to Tochukwu Nnadi, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Alhassan Yusuf, making Onyedika’s availability another positive development for the Super Eagles ahead of the crucial qualifying fixtures.
