Super Eagles interim technical adviser Augustine Eguavoen has revealed the reason behind his descion to extend invitation to Innocent Bonke as replacement for the injured Wilfred Ndidi, reports Completesports.

Ndidi was ruled out of Nigeria’s 2022 FIFA World Cup playoffs against the Black Stars of Ghana after picking up a knee injury in Leicester City’s UEFA Europa Conference League clash against Stade Rennes last week.

Bonke, who was not originally included in the standby list was named as his replacement instead of Ogenyi Onazi.

Eguavoen has now defended his choice and stated the Lorient of France midfielder is a suitable replacement for Ndidi.

” I picked Bonke outside the players on standby because Ndidi is a defensive midfielder and there is defensive midfielder in the standby list. Bonke has been a player in my heart. So it was a like for like substitute,”the 56-year-old told a press conference on Wednesday.

“Noble is another player that has been criticized by the media. But the young man is not injured as reported and he has featured in Enyimba’s last four games. I picked him based his last four games after my colleague Finidi George recommended him highly. He is not injured. He was actually subbed in their last game against Wikki Tourist FC and medically he was cleared that is why he is with us” Eguavoen who doubles as NFF technical director concluded.

By Richard Jideaka Abuja