Cardiff City coach Erol Bulut has disclosed that the club has barred Jamilu Collins from playing in Nigeria’s next friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique due to a significant danger of injury, according to Soccernet.
Collins returned to football in the summer after missing more than 41 weeks due to a cruciate ligament injury. Despite his injuries, the 29-year-old has returned to the team and fought his way in.
This season, he has already appeared in nine Championship games and has one assist to his record.
Collins was named to Nigeria’s team for the country’s most recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sao Tome & Principe, which it won 6-0.
Collins was also included to the squad for the upcoming international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
The NFF later announced that he would be replaced by Chidozie Awaziem. This sparked some debate, considering the former Paderborn right-back had just played 90 minutes in Cardiff City’s previous game against Watford.
The manager of the Blue Birds has finally clarified the matter. Collins could sustain an injury if he plays during the international break, according to Bulut.
“Maybe I have to talk with the national team manager[Jose Peseiro] because he [Collins] will get injured if he leaves for the international break,” Bulut stated in an interview with Wales Online.
“Neither side desires that. The club does not require it, nor does the national team; we must safeguard him.”
Nigeria already has adequate right-back cover in Awaziem. The versatile 26-year-old can also play as a center defender. Collins will strive to regain full fitness as the AFCON approaches.
