West Brom suffers blow as Nigerian striker could miss the rest of the season

• Josh Maja’s season could be over as West Brom coach Tony Mowbray confirmed the striker is yet to recover from his lower leg injury
• The Nigerian forward, who had 12 goals and two assists, has been sidelined since January and missed West Brom’s last 14 matches.
• If West Brom fails to secure a playoff spot, Maja will have to wait until pre-season before making his return to competitive football

West Bromwich Albion striker Josh Maja is facing the harsh possibility of missing the rest of the season, with head coach Tony Mowbray revealing that the Nigerian forward is still recovering from his lower leg injury.

Maja, who had been in fine form before his setback, has been sidelined since early January after sustaining a serious injury that required surgery. 

At the time of his absence, the 26-year-old had already registered 12 goals and two assists in 26 appearances, proving to be a key player in West Brom’s promotion push.

Despite initial reports suggesting a potential return by February, Maja has yet to step onto the pitch. 

With only seven games left in the regular season, Mowbray admitted that the Super Eagles forward is unlikely to feature before the campaign’s end. However, he hinted at a possible return if West Brom qualifies for the Championship playoffs,

“I saw Maja on Tuesday, happy, nice and smiley but still feels as if he is a little bit away, hopefully, if we can extend the season, he might have a part to play,” Mowbray said.

The English manager acknowledged the tough period Maja has endured, noting that the striker has spent much of his recovery period in a brace, 

“When I bump into him in the corridor and ask how he is, he’s pretty positive. I think he’s looking forward to getting back and showing us what he can do.”

West Brom, currently sitting sixth in the Championship table, are in a fierce battle to secure a playoff spot. If they maintain their position, Maja could have a chance to contribute during the playoffs. 

However, should the team fail to qualify, the Nigerian forward would have to wait until pre-season before making his return to competitive football.

Maja’s absence has undoubtedly been a major blow to West Brom, with Mowbray admitting that his goal-scoring prowess has been sorely missed. 

The club will be hoping to hold on to their playoff spot, not just for their promotion dreams but also to give their star striker a chance to return before the season concludes.

Referee's decision causes chaos in NPFL showdown between Enyimba and Rangers

Previously, TheRadar reported that the Nigerian Professional Football League witnessed scenes of contention at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium on June 9, 2024, when a late penalty decision caused a stir in the crucial match between league leaders Enugu Rangers and second-placed Enyimba of Aba. 

The game was abruptly disrupted after the referee John Ojeleye awarded Rangers a penalty in the 99th minute, leading to an unexpected protest and walk-off by the Enyimba team.