Yusuf Steps In for Injured Ndidi Ahead of AFCON
Midfielder Alhassan Yusuf from Royal Antwerp has been chosen to step in for the injured Wilfred Ndidi of Leicester City as the Super Eagles gear up for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
Ndidi was absent from Leicester City’s dominating 4-1 victory over Huddersfield Town on Monday, with the reason for his absence cited as an unspecified injury.
On Wednesday, team spokesman Babafemi Raji informed the media about the replacement, revealing that 23-year-old Yusuf, who has been showcasing impressive form with the Belgian champions, will fill Ndidi’s position.
Despite not having been capped by Nigeria yet, Yusuf was included in the 40-man provisional squad for the Cup of Nations.
In a bid to recover from a muscle injury, Ndidi’s teammate from Leicester City, Kelechi Iheanacho, expressed his hope to be fit and available for the competition.
The tournament, hosted by Ivory Coast, is set to commence on January 13 in Abidjan.
The three-time African champions are currently undergoing training in the United Arab Emirates as they prepare for the competition. Drawn in Group A, they will be facing Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea.
Their opening match is scheduled against Equatorial Guinea on January 14.