Lorient midfielder Innocent Bonke says he is not under any pressure after replacing Wilfred Ndidi in the Nigeria squad ahead of Friday's 2022 FIFA World Cup playoff against Ghana.
Super Eagles gaffer Augustine Eguavoen called up Bonke to replace Ndidi who has been ruled out of the two crucial games because of injury.
The Leicester City man is out due to a knee injury sustained in his club’s loss to Rennes in the Europa Conference League round of 16 match earlier this month.
“The fact I am going to replace one of the most important players in the team, I don’t have any pressure about that. I am here to do my job.
“The game is very, very important for Nigerians and for us as players, we are going to give our best so we come out victorious at the end of the day.”
When asked if he feels under pressure after taking over for Ndidi, Bonke, told reporters on Tuesday evening: "It was a late invitation, but I have to honour it."
“The fact I am going to replace one of the most important players in the team, I don’t have any pressure about that. I am here to do my job.
“The game is very, very important for Nigerians and for us as players, we are going to give our best so we come out victorious at the end of the day.”
In September 2021, Bonke made his full Super Eagles debut against Cape Verde. He will be hoping to play a role for Nigeria against Ghana.
Nigeria arrived in Kumasi on Thursday afternoon and will train at the Baba Yara Stadium in the evening ahead of Friday’s first leg clash.
The second leg encounter comes off four days' time at the Moshood Abiola Sports Stadium in Abuja.