Croatian forward Nikola kalinic has been sent home from the FIFA World Cup by head coach Zlatco Dalic after he refused to come on as a second-half substitute during the team’s 2-0 defeat over Nigeria.
The 30-year-old, who was starting his fourth successive international game on the bench, claimed he could not come on due to a back injury.
Speaking after his side’s 2-0 win that made them Group D leaders ahead of Iceland, Argentina and Nigeria, Dalic, according to Croatian media reports, said his side had finished the match in Kaliningrad without any injuries but “with a problem”.
Nigeria had been hoping for a perfect start, knowing a win would place them at the top of the table after the Messi-led Argentina side drew 1-1 with World Cup debutants Iceland.
The loss now puts the Super Eagles under a lot of pressure to win their second game against Iceland on Friday.
All three African teams that have played so far have lost, putting them last on their groups. The three include Egypt, Nigeria and Morocco.
Tunisia and Senegal are yet to play their first matches, with the Eagles of Carthage set to play England later today.
Senegal will open their campaign against Poland tomorrow.
