The Leganes man has been unavailable for selection for Nigeria, and might already be facing the loss of his starting place at centre-back
The last two months have seen the Super Eagles post two of their more impressive performances under coach Gernot Rohr.
Yes, both the matches against Ukraine and Brazil ended in draws, and both saw Nigeria give up an advantage, but the feeling has been largely positive. The plan has been clear: keep a solid shape without the ball, then spring quickly with it. That has been good enough to earn respectable outcomes against two very good sides.