Negeri Sembilan FC’s (NSFC) fans will need to wait a little longer before witnessing the highly anticipated debut of national striker Luqman Hakim Shamsudin.
Head coach Mohd Nidzam Jamil confirmed that the 23-year-old forward, who recently returned from stints in Belgium, Iceland, and Japan, is unlikely to feature in the Super League showdown against Selangor FC this Sunday at Paroi.
“Not for Selangor. I think against Kuching (City), maybe he will be ready,” said Nidzam during the post-match press conference after NSFC’s emphatic 5-0 win over PDRM FC in the Piala FA.
Injury Delays and Fitness Recovery
Since joining NSFC, Luqman has yet to be listed either in the starting eleven or on the bench. The club previously confirmed he was sidelined by injury, preventing him from making his competitive debut.
According to Nidzam, Luqman is close to full fitness but still requires careful management to avoid setbacks. The clash against Kuching City FC on August 29 has been earmarked as the likeliest occasion for his long-awaited first appearance in Sang Rusa colours.
More Injury Concerns for NSFC
Luqman is not the only absentee for the Selangor fixture. Former Selangor FC defender Khuzaimi Piee is also ruled out with injury.
“Same with Jimmy (Khuzaimi), he won’t play against Selangor either. They both need around seven to ten more days, then we’ll assess their progress,” Nidzam explained.
Additionally, Ghanaian midfielder Alex Agyarkwa, on loan from Selangor FC, will miss the match due to a “gentleman agreement” between both clubs, further limiting NSFC’s options in midfield.
Focus Shifts to Selangor Clash
Despite the absentees, Negeri Sembilan FC enter the Super League encounter on a high, fresh from their commanding Piala FA triumph. The spotlight now turns to how Nidzam reshuffles his squad to face his former club, Selangor FC, in a match that could be a true test of The Jang’s credentials this season.
For fans, all eyes will soon be on Luqman Hakim’s long-awaited debut—a moment that could arrive just days later when NSFC host Kuching City at Paroi.
