Nigeria’s midfield maestro, 27-year-old Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City, faces a setback as he is ruled out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to injury. Despite being named in the Super Eagles’ 25-man squad, Ndidi was noticeably absent from his club’s recent victory over Huddersfield Town.

Royal Antwerp midfielder Alhassan Yusuf has been called up to replace Ndidi. On a positive note for the team, fellow Leicester City teammate Kelechi Iheanacho, is expected to join the squad. Iheanacho, who has been sidelined for the past two games in the Championship due to a muscle problem, looks set to contribute to Nigeria’s campaign in the tournament.

Nigeria is gearing up to kick off their Group A journey against Equatorial Guinea on January 14. The West African side will also face hosts Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau in the group stage. The absence of Ndidi is undoubtedly a blow, but the inclusion of Iheanacho provides a ray of hope for the Super Eagles as they embark on their AFCON journey.