I opted not to play against Benin, Lesotho due to injury

Super Eagles and Slavia Prague player, Peter Olayinka says an injury stopped in from featuring for last month’s African Cup of Nations qualifiers against the Benin Republic and Lesotho.

Olayinka was part of the seven players on standby for both encounters in Port Novo and Lagos, however, he told Brila.net that he opted out of the list after discussing his injury with Head coach Gernot Rohr.

The Slavia Prague striker said he was carrying a knee injury before the list was released, but he aggravated the injury while playing for his club in the round of 16 Europa League games against Glasgow Rangers, Brila.net reports.

Olayinka said he played the game after taken painkillers prescribed to him by the club’s medics, which subsequently ruled out possibilities of teaming up with Super Eagles.

“I had a discussion with Slavia Coach before the game against Rangers because we both trust each other. “
“So we agreed that I have to play, but with painkillers and the risk paid off, because I scored the first goal.”
“Then after the game, I spoke to Gernot Rohr as well about my injury and that I can’t honour the invitation for the matches. ” He told brila.net.

“He understood me and he later warned me not to play with painkillers anymore, in order to avoid more problems.”

Meanwhile, Olayinka is still doubtful for Slavia Prague’s Europa League second leg against Arsenal.