In a significant blow to the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2023 campaign, striker Sadiq Umar has been officially ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury.
This news comes after Umar was substituted in the first half of the friendly match against Guinea, with a precautionary measure taken by the medical team.
The towering 6ft.4in striker, who was initially part of Jose Peseiro’s final 25-man squad-list, participated in the team’s preparation games but has since been unable to join team training.
Further examinations on the Spain-based striker revealed he has sustained a knee injury that will sideline him for a minimum of three weeks, and so will not be available for the AFCON.
This injury compounds the striking challenges for the Super Eagles, as Victor Boniface had earlier been ruled out of the tournament due to an adductor injury. Terem Moffi was brought in as a replacement for Boniface, but with Umar now sidelined, Victor Osimhen stands as the sole fit striker for Nigeria.
In response to the striking woes and with the opportunity for adjustments to the final squad, Trabzonsporof Turkey striker Paul Onuachu has been called up to join the Super Eagles of Nigeria for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cote d’Ivoire.
The 29-year-old Onuachu, who has been in excellent form for Trabzonspor this season, will aim to make a significant impact and contribute to Nigeria’s quest for success in the tournament.
The 34th Africa Cup of Nations tournament will take place in Cote d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, 2024, with the hosts facing Guinea Bissau in the opening game on Saturday.
Jose Peseiro tutored Super Eagles of Nigeria team will begin their AFCON campaign vs Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, January 14, 2024, with the striking options available for selection short due to injury.
Nigeria will bank on reigning CAF player of the Year, Victor Osimhen for goals.
