World Cup Update: Moses Granted A Week Rest, Ndidi Recovering Fast, Mikel Delighted In Camp

LAGOS MAY 25TH (NEWSRANGERS)-Chelsea wing-back Victor Moses was named in the 30-player provisional squad for the World Cup by Nigeria and is obviously expected to make the final cut to 23, but he will not be joining up with the rest of the Super Eagles until late next week. With his place not under threat, it’s probably wise to give him an extra week off after the long club season, which included playing in the FA Cup final just last weekend.
Nigeria are set to take on DR Congo on Monday in their first friendly of World Cup preparations, with national team captain Mikel John Obi finally joining the squad this week as well.
After Monday’s friendly, Nigeria will play additional friendlies against England at Wembley on June 2 and the Czech Republic on June 6 somewhere in Austria, before beginning group play against Croatia, Iceland, and Argentina. The Super Eagles will certainly have their work cut out for them if they are to advance from that group!

Meanwhile Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has recovered “faster than expected” from a hamstring injury and will soon join Nigeria’s full World Cup training, an official said Thursday.
Ndidi has been training on his own in the southern city of Uyo, where the squad have their training camp, since the World Cup camp opened officially on Tuesday.
Super Eagles spokesman Toyin Ibitoye said Ndidi’s recovery has been ahead of schedule and he will soon join the squad’s full training.
“In a couple of days, he will join the full training,” Ibitoye disclosed.
“He is running well without any pains, he has recovered faster than we expected.
“He is now being loaded slowly and gradually to build his match fitness.”
Ibitoye said the friendlies against DR Congo (May 28) and England (June 2) may be coming a little too soon for the Foxes star, but “he will be ready for the World Cup”.
In the meantime, skipper Mikel Obi, Chelsea’s Victor Moses as well as Israel-based midfielder John Ogu are all still expected to train soon at the Super Eagles World Cup camp.
“We hope to have Ogu in before morning training today, while Mikel and Victor Moses are in touch with the coach,” said Ibitoye.
“We hope to have them before the DR Congo game.”
The 27 players in Uyo will again train Thursday at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium and in the evening work out at the gym and around their hotel.
The team are due to depart for nearby Port Harcourt on Saturday ahead of the friendly against DR Congo on Monday.
Nigeria play England at Wembley on June 2 and the Czech Republic in another friendly in Austria on June 6. The Super Eagles kick off their World Cup campaign against Croatia in Kaliningrad on June 16 and then play Iceland and Argentina in Group D.

In another development, John Obi Mikel is delighted at joining the Nigeria national team camp in Uyo ahead of their preparation for the 2018 World Cup.
The Tianjin Teda midfielder missed the Super Eagles friendlies against Poland and Serbia owing to work permit issue at his base in China.
On Thursday, the former Chelsea star’s arrival increased the number of players in camp to 29.
Gernot Rohr’s men play DR Congo on Monday at the Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium before they take on England on June 2 and Czech Republic four days later.
“I am happy to be here. It is a huge privilege to play with this team and represent Nigeria at the 2018 Fifa World Cup.
In Russia, the three-time African Champions will be looking to manoeuvre their ways past Croatia, Iceland and Argentina in Group D.

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