Odemwingie will miss Nigeria's game with Madagascar
Last updated on .From the section Football
West Brom striker Peter Odemwingie has ruled himself out of Nigeria's 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Madagascar because of an ankle injury.
The 30-year-old will miss the game in Antananarivo on 4 September as well as the Super Eagles' friendly with Argentina two days later in Bangladesh.
Odemwingie aggravated an ankle injury against Chelsea last weekend.
"It's quite unfortunate that I have been advised to rest my troubled ankle for about a week," he told BBC Sport.
"I think that's the price to pay for forcing it against Chelsea the last time, now I've got to rest it.
"I was looking forward to helping my club and country because they both need me desperately.
"It's a shame I have to concentrate on getting better fully so I can give my best to my club and country when needed."
Odemwingie has not played for Nigeria since March's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Ethiopia.
"Fans, players and everyone at the club count on me to help the team, same thing with my national team as well." he said.
"It's only a matter of time, I wish my teammates all the best in Madagascar and against Argentina in the friendly.
"I'll be supporting them from here because we need to win our next two matches to qualify so it is crucial we win."
Odemwingie is the latest injury blow for Super Eagles' coach Samson Siasia after AC Milan defender Taye Taiwo suffered an injury that ruled him out of action for a month.
Nigeria are desperate for a win against Madagascar to keep up the pressure on Guinea, who are top of Group B three points ahead of the Super Eagles.
The Nigeria squad will then fly straight to Bangladesh to keep a friendly date with Argentina on 6 September.
Midfielder Emmanuel Ekpo, who plays in the USA for Columbus Crew, will replace Osaze Odemwingie in the Super Eagles' squad.
However, Ekpo will only join the squad in Bangladesh for Nigeria's friendly agaisnt Argentina.
