IGIEBOR OUT!

Nosa Igiebor has been ruled out of Nigeria’s World Cup playoff on Saturday and will now undergo surgery for a groin problem. According to information on the official website of Real Betis, the Eagles midfielder who is set to undergo surgery on his left leg later this week  and is not expected back in action earlier than mid January 2014.

Igiebor at the weekend suffered a relapse of a groin injury he sustained last week while training with his team.

The player, who last week returned to training with his club, said he is disappointed he will not be part of the team to face Ethiopia in Calabar on Saturday.

"It’s really sad, I was happy returning from the minor groin but for a relapse,” he said.

"I really wanted to be a part of history this weekend when we qualify for the World Cup, but I trust that my colleagues would get the job done this weekend."

Team officials had earlier expressed doubts over his availability for Saturday’s clash.