The decision not to register Nigeria international midfielder in his squad of 25 players for the season has been explained by coach of English Championship side Stoke City.
As first reported by OwnGoalNigeria.com, the 26 year old wasn’t handed a squad number for the season after his return from a loan spell at Watford, where a nasty injury saw him play just nine games. The club didn’t take up the option of signing him permanently.
It was his second straight loan spell away from the club and it means he hasn’t played to the club in two and a half years. As a matter of fact since his first season when he was voted their player of the season.
Explaining his situation at the club, coach of the team Michael O’Neil said although he still has a contract at the club, he isn’t fit enough for the team and also has his mind fixed on a permanent move away from the club with one year left to run on his deal.
“Peter’s been away from the club for two and a half years. In that period he’s been on three different loans. He previously hasn’t returned in pre-season, this pre-season he has returned and he played some games for Nigeria at the end of last season. He had quite a bad injury last season with Watford so missed quite a portion of the season”, he said .
“He’s not fit enough to train with the squad yet and I think in his mind he’s still looking for a permanent exit from the club. It’s very difficult for us as a club to rewind two-and-a-half years but he’s still our player, he’s contracted to the club and we’re duty bound to look after him, which is what we’re doing”, he rounded up saying.