
Goran Pandev, Nikolce Noveski and Aleksandar Mitreski were the latest names on the list of missing players for this match. Before them Katanec's squad was without the regular Jane Nikoloski, Robert Petrov, Ilco Naumoski and Stevica Ristic. The players were left out of the Macedonian squad for the friendly match against Nigeria because of slight injuries, tiredness and bad form.
A week ago the Nigerians announce that they will come in Skopje with their strongest squad available, but Nigeria’s German coach Berti Vogts has however been forced to make a number of changes to his squad as some of the players have withdrawn from the friendly as a result of injury or administrative problems. England-based players – Joseph Yobo, Obafemi Martins, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and John Utaka have all reportedly withdrawn from the squad. According to reports, Yobo is nursing a groin injury while Utaka is said to have encountered visa problems. Other players that have been reportedly called-up by Vogts as replacement are Sani Kaita, Dele Adeleye, Richard Eromoigbe, Chukwuma Akabueze and Onyekachi Apam. It is still unlikely for Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi to feature in the friendly as he is yet to get the green light from suspension.