FC Ifeanyiubah star man Obaje not available for Confed Cup tie

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Feb 19, 2017. 09:12

Star striker Godwin Obaje will not be available for FC Ifeanyiubah when they face Al Masry in Egypt this night in a CAF Confederation Cup first round second leg match.

Obaje did not travel with the team on Thursday after financier of the club Patrick Ubah had told reporters at Nnewi last Sunday after his side's slim 1-0 win in the first leg match that Obaje will be available for the return leg match.

The Capital Oil and Gas boss had then said they were at advanced stage of acquiring Obaje's license to be eligible for the Port Said showdown.

But the squad departed Thursday without the prolific striker, who netted 18 times last season to emerge Nigeria's highest scorer in the 2015/2016 domestic league.

"I did not travel with them", Obaje confirmed.

"I was not registered because I joined them late. But I heard there was a plan to get my license so I can play in the match in Egypt but I don't think it worked out."

Coach Yaw Preko is understood to have made some changes in the squad who defeated the Egyptian side 1-0 in Nnewi last Sunday as they plan to consolidate on their narrow advantage.

Striker Jimoh Oni, who joined the club from Heartland last season, was included in the travelling contingent and could partner Ifeanyi Onuigbo upfront.

The match is slated for the chilly, 17,988-capacity Port Said Stadium at 7pm Nigerian time.

By Sab Osuji