Igiebor, who joined the Israeli Premier League in 2014 after two years at Spanish side Real Betis, is expected to be on duty for the Yellows’ last UEFA Champions League Group G game against Dynamo Kiev in Ukraine on Wednesday. Maccabi are bottom of the table without a win.
The South Africa 2013 Africa Cup of Nations winner, who has played 10 games in all competitions for the capital outfit this term, has not been invited by Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh since he took over the Eagles’ reins from Stephen Keshi in July.
With Russia-based Sylvester Igbonu proving himself among the best players in the national team — and Sunshine Stars’ Paul Onobi demonstrating proper etiquette in his international debut against Swaziland last month — Igiebor may find it difficult to win his place back in the team.
The 25-year-old, who missed out on a place in the Brazil 2014 World Cup squad after he was plagued by injury last season.
Igiebor says he is enjoying his life at Maccabi Tel Aviv, despite Oliseh overlooking him for a role in the Gabon 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and Russia 2018 World Cup qualifiers.
The former Sharks player insists playing regularly for the Yellows has made him a better player.
“Yes. I’m happy in Israel. I thank God for everything,” the former Norway-based player, who won the Israeli FA Cup with Hapoel Tel Aviv in 2012, told our correspondent on Monday.
Meanwhile, veteran Ivorian midfielder Ibrahim Diaky has called for patience from Al Ain fans as Emmanuel Emenike finds himself under pressure to fill the void left by Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan at the heart of the Abu Dhabi club’s attack.
All-time leading scorer Gyan dumped Al Ain last summer for Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG for a reported weekly salary of £227,000.
Al Ain responded by signing South Africa 2013 Golden Boot winner Emenike from Turkish giants Fenerbahce on a season-long loan deal.
But the 28-year-old, who retired from international football in October, has been unable to replicate the form of Gyan, who netted 95 goals in 83 appearances for Al Ain, leading to heavy criticism from many Al Ain fans.
However, Emenike answered his critics with a goal in the 3-0 defeat of their bitter rivals Al Ahli on Saturday.
“He has had his difficult moments, but now it is coming slowly, slowly,” Diaky was quoted by Gulfnews as saying on Monday.
“The pressure at Al Ain is not easy, especially when you come after a striker like Asamoah Gyan – he left a big name behind.
“Emenike is a great striker. I have told him to keep working and it will come for him.”
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