Royal Antwerp midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf, has replaced Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi in the Nigerian squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles media officer Babafemi Raji made the disclosure in a statement on Wednesday.
“Injury Update: Alhassan Yusuf replaces Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho still hopeful to join the team before AFCON commences,” Raji stated.
Leicester manager Enzo Maresca had confirmed that Ndidi and Iheanacho would join Nigeria’s camp ahead of the 2023 AFCON.
There had been doubts over Iheanacho’s participation at the AFCON which will take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 after the Leicester striker suffered a muscle injury.
Maresca also revealed on Monday night that Ndidi had joined his international teammate, Iheanacho in the treatment room.
Ndidi missed Leicester’s 4-1 mauling of Huddersfield Town at the King Power Stadium on New Year’s Day.
Iheanacho also missed the Championship game due to a muscular injury.
Meanwhile, 17 players have arrived the Super Eagles camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) in preparation for the AFCON.
Raji confirmed this while giving an update on the players in camp as coach Jose Peseiro aims to get the team in shape.
“Musa, Omeruo, Simon, Ojo, Iwobi, Semi, Aina, Bassey and Lookman are in camp,” Raji said.
“Others are Aribo, Onyeka, Bruno, Awaziem, Zaidu, Boniface, Onyedika and Osayi Bright. Training will commence this evening.”
