Saudi Arabia vs Nigeria: NFF calls up Ebuehi, Sadiq to replace injured Awoniyi, Aina

• In an unavoidable roster shake-up, the Nigeria Football Federation has swiftly summoned reinforcements to fill the void left by injured Nottingham Forest stars, Taiwo Awoniyi and Ola Aina.

Aina and Awoniyi sustained injuries while playing for Nottingham Forest, prompting the NFF to make some adjustments to the Super Eagles squad.

Empoli's energetic fullback, Tyronne Ebuehi, and Real Sociedad's gangling striker, Umar Sadiq have been drafted in as replacements for Aina and Awoniyi, respectively.

These changes come just in time for the Super Eagles' upcoming friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.

Awoniyi's setback came in the form of a groin injury just ahead of Nottingham Forest's week eight Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

On the other hand, Aina has been sidelined for Forest's last two fixtures due to a muscle-related ailment.

Ebuehi's selection marks his third call-up by José Peseiro, having previously been invited for Nigeria's friendly against Portugal and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe last month.

In the AFCON qualifier, the former Benfica defender made a significant contribution as a second-half substitute, marking his return to the Super Eagles for the first time since January 2022.

The 27-year-old has been an active presence, featuring in seven games for Empoli across various competitions this season.

Sadiq, on the other hand, has not received a call-up from Peseiro since the AFCON qualifier against São Tomé and Príncipe in June 2022.

The 26-year-old faced a challenging period last season, spending most of it on the sidelines. This season, he has managed to secure just two starts for Real Sociedad in La Liga.

Despite the absence of Awoniyi, the Super Eagles will still boast a formidable attacking lineup - which includes Napoli's Victor Osimhen and Bayer Leverkusen's Victor Boniface - against Saudi Arabia.