Super Eagles coach George Finidi has extended a call-up to Çaykur Rizespor midfielder Ibrahim Olawoyin for the upcoming FIFA 2026 World Cup qualifiers against South Africa and Benin.
This move comes after Bayer Leverkusen forward Nathan Tella withdrew from the team due to family reasons.
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Olawoyin, a fan favorite in Nigerian football, had an impressive season with his Turkish club, scoring eight goals and providing three assists in 36 league games, helping his team secure a ninth-placed finish.
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The national team announced the update on their official social media handles, stating: “WCQ Camp Update: Nathan Tella of Bayer Leverkusen has excused himself from the upcoming WCQ matches due to family reasons. Coach Finidi George has now called up Ibrahim Olawoyin of Caykur Rizespor of Turkey.”
This call-up comes after Olawoyin was initially omitted from the squad released last week, raising eyebrows among football fans.
Tella is the second invited player to withdraw from the games, following Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who pulled out due to injury and was replaced by Enugu Rangers defender Kenneth Igboke.
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