Everton question Nigeria claim

Toffees insist Anichebe injury not serious

By Ben Collins   Last updated: 1st June 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Everton question Nigeria claim

Anichebe: Injury confusion

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Everton have taken issue with Nigeria over the omission of Victor Anichebe from their World Cup squad through injury.

The Everton striker was one of the most notable omissions when Swedish boss Lars Lagerback named his final 23-man party, particularly after being their star man during last week's warm-up against Saudi Arabia.

Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, the chairman of the technical committee at the Nigerian Football Federation, reportedly told the Nigerian Tribune he was left out after suffering a cracked chin against the Saudis.

But Everton have issued a statement on their official website, clarifying that their 22-year-old frontman has, in fact, suffered a bruised shin and that the injury is not serious.

The Premier League club have been angered at what they see as misinformation while the youngster is devastated at not making it to South Africa.

Anichebe featured in the Nigerian side that reached the 2008 Olympic final, losing to Argentina, and he has so far made four appearances for the senior team.