MIDFIELDER Josiah Maduabuchi of Enyimba of Aba has joined the list of stars ruled out of weekends 2011 All Africa Games football second leg qualifier against Liberia due to the ankle injury he copped in the first leg of the tie in Monrovia.The Kaduna United former star was yesterday dropped from the team, which also welcomed the foreign-based players. Maduabuchi was one of four players that sustained injury in the game against Liberia in Monrovia. Others were Rabiu Ibrahim (knee injuryalso ruled out), Ekigho Ehiosun (ankle- has since resumed training) and Dele Ajiboye (broken nose - has since recovered).The coaches, led by Austin Eguavoen, have also decamped Charles Amobi of Union Bank, Lagos, and Bassey Ezekiel of Lobi stars. Maduabuchi, who has been in camp with a bandaged ankle, trained for the first time with his colleagues at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium before he was decamped. He had told journalists: it is great to be back on the pitch even though I still feel slight pain on the ankle area. I felt like an outcast those days I have had to watch from the sidelines.He was, however, sad when the news of his being decampment broke, saying: I feel sad but I must say the coaches know best. I must thank coach Austin Eguavoen, who has assured me that I am still in his plans, for giving me the chance to serve my country.Meanwhile, Pontevedra of Spains goalkeeper, Dele Ajiboye, yesterday led the early arrival of invited foreign-based players for the qualifier scheduled to hold at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City. Other early arrivals are Atletico Baleares of Spains defender Edet Ibok, Uchechi Chima of Leicester City of England and Giang of Vietnams striker, Ganiyu Oseni.Lillestrom of Norways midfielder Nosa Igiebor, Kieng Hapoel Acre of Israels star, Dimaku Tochukwu Fidelis, and Nnamdi Oduamadi of AC Milan of Italy were still being expected top arrive in the country yesterday. The coaches have also invited Flying Eagles former midfielder, Harmony Ikande, as replacement for JUTH of Jos and Astra Ploiesti of Romania former striker, Fatai Kehinde, who has been incommunicado.We have tried all his lines to no avail. I even left a voice message on his voicemail but we have not heard from him, team secretary, Shola Ogunnowo, said. We really dont know what is happening but we cannot continue to wait for him.Twenty-year-old Ikande, who is on loan to Spanish Segunda Division B side from AC Milan, is already in the country.
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