The Grounds for Cardiff's Refusal to Release Collins for Eagles Friendlies
Cardiff City manager Erol Bulut underscores the importance of safeguarding Jamilu Collins, leading to the decision to withdraw the player from Nigeria's upcoming international friendlies against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique.
Nigeria is set to face the Green Falcons of Saudi Arabia in Portimão, Portugal, on Friday, October 13, followed by a match against Mozambique in the same city three days later.
Although Collins' availability for the friendlies had been in doubt, the Super Eagles' Portuguese coach, Jose Peseiro, surprisingly included the left-back in the squad.
Nonetheless, the team's official communication via their X platform on Monday confirmed that the 29-year-old won't be able to participate in the international break, compelling Peseiro to extend an invitation to Chidozie Awaziem in his place.
The official Super Eagles X account reported that the left-back had been grappling with fitness issues in the buildup to the international break.
The former Paderborn player missed a significant 45 matches for Cardiff last season due to a cruciate ligament injury sustained against West Brom in August 2022.
The injury sidelined Collins for a period of nine months before he resumed training in June and successfully made his way back into the team.
After the announcement of Collins being excluded from the Nigeria squad for the matches against Saudi Arabia and Mozambique, a UK publication, walesonline, reported that the Bluebirds' manager had intended to discuss with the Eagles coach last Thursday to ensure Collins' withdrawal from the team.
Bulut was quoted as saying, "Perhaps I need to have a conversation with the national team manager because he [Collins] is at risk of injury. It's something neither side desires. The club can do without it, and the national team doesn't need it either; we must protect him."
Collins has already participated in nine Championship matches this season, contributing with one assist. The player will now be given a two-week break, which will be highly beneficial for his well-being.
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