Nigeria´s Kanu and Yobo pull out of S.Africa clash

Nigeria skipper Nwankwo Kanu and Joseph Yobo have pulled out of this weekend's 2010 World Cup qualifier in South Africa due to injuries, officials have disclosed.

“Both Kanu and Yobo have called to say they are injured and as such will not be available for the game on Saturday against South Africa in Port Elizabeth,” said Nigerian team co-ordinator Peterside Idah.

“Yobo said he suffered an injury during Everton's match against Portsmouth at the weekend while Kanu has yet to play this season because he is nursing injury.”

Two other England-based stars, Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel and Obafemi Martins of Newcastle United, have also withdrawn because of injuries.

Officials also disclosed that Bolton Wanderers defender Danny Shittu has been permitted to arrive South Africa on Thursday, two days after the team set up training camp there.

“He has a few things to sort out at his new club and so he has been excused to join the team late,” said an official.

Nigeria, who beat South Africa 2-0 in the first tie in Abuja in June, lead Group Four of the qualifying tournament for both the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup with maximum 12 points from four matches.

South Africa are second on the table with four points, the same as third-placed Sierra Leone while Equatorial Guinea are bottom with three points.