Nigeria’s Super Eagles will be without one of the fresh faces from their successful summer international campaign when they take on Portugal in a high-profile friendly in Leiria next week.
Pisa striker Rafiu Durosinmi was excused from the Super Eagles camp and will not feature in the friendly against Portugal on June 10. Initially, the Nigeria Football Federation described his departure from camp as being due to “personal matters”, but the real reason has now emerged.
The 23-year-old forward left the team after Nigeria’s entertaining 2-2 draw against Poland in Warsaw to travel home for his wedding ceremonies. The special occasion meant he could not remain with the squad as they moved from Poland to Portugal for the next stage of their preparations.
Head coach, Éric Chelle approved the striker’s request, recognising the importance of the milestone in the player’s personal life. With the wedding taking place just days before the Portugal fixture, there was little chance of Durosinmi returning in time to participate fully in tactical sessions ahead of the game.
His absence is a blow for a player who has enjoyed a memorable start to life with the senior national team.
