Jamaica/ Nigeria face off
Published:Wednesday | February 11, 2009 | 9:38 AM
Jamaica’s Reggae Boyz, hit with a number of injuries to key players, will face off with the Super Eagles of Nigeria in a friendly international at the New Den Stadium in London, England this afternoon at 2.45 Jamaican time.
Captain Ricardo Gardner, goalkeeper Donovan Ricketts, central defender Ian Goodison and striker Ricardo Fuller have all been sideline by recent injuries.
Also out is Darren Pratley, of English Championship club Swansea City, who was expected to make his debut for Jamaica.
Additionally, striker Dane Richards has been ruled out due to a mishap regarding the return of his British visa.
As a result of the injuries coach John Barnes was forced to call up other players including 20 year old West Ham United striker Zavon Hines, who is tipped to earn his first cap for Jamaica.
Barnes has also recalled 1998 World Cup veteran Deon Burton of English Championship side Charlton Athletic and local-based player Wolry Wolfe.
Nigeria will be without both first-string strikers Yakubu Aiyegbeni of Everton and Newcastle United’s Obafemi Martins because of injuries.
The Jamaicans had two workouts in very cold conditions since arriving in London on Monday. They will play in even colder conditions, as temperatures are expected to dip below zero.