Umar Sadiq’s participation in the Super Eagles’ opening game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is in doubt as the Real Sociedad striker missed another training session on Thursday.
Jose Peseiro tutored Super Eagles are preparing for their Group A opening fixture against the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea at the Alassanne Quattara Stadium in Ebimpe, Abidjan, this Sunday.
Sadiq, 26, had already trained separately from the team on Wednesday and was notably absent from Thursday’s session, raising concerns about his fitness for the upcoming clash.
If Sadiq remains sidelined, Napoli’s Victor Osimhen would be the sole-fit Super Eagles striker available for the Equatorial Guinea game.
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The other strikers in Jose Peseiro’s 25-man squad, Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi have not arrived in camp yet.
Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho who is recovering from a muscular problem and is expected to join the Super Eagles on Saturday, January 13, 2024, could be rushed into the lineup as the injury crisis leaves Peseiro short in what was supposed to be a blessed attack.
Meanwhile, OGC Nice forward, who was called-up as a replacement for the injured Victor Boniface, is set to link up with the team on the day of the Equatorial Guinea match.
Veteran skipper, Ahmed Musa is another potential back-up for reigning CAF player of the Year Victor Osimhen in the center forward role ahead of the Equatorial Guinea clash.
Musa has severally filled this role for his clubs, with his ability to run-in behind defenders and finishing, tested and so could be called upon, if need arises.
Despite the ravaging Injury crisis, Nigeria will look forward to making a winning start to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament vs Equatorial Guinea.
According to Nigeria head coach Jose Peseiro, only a win will do for his team as they aim to clinch a fourth AFCON title in Cote d’Ivoire.
