Nigeria’s midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf, is set to sit out the highly anticipated Group B encounter between the Super Eagles and hosts Cote d’Ivoire at the AFCON 2023 tournament due to a thigh injury sustained during the 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea. Although the injury is not deemed severe, Yusuf is expected to be sidelined for this crucial match but could potentially return for the final group game against Djurtus of Guinea-Bissau.

The 23-year-old missed training sessions on Monday and Tuesday as a result of this setback. With Yusuf’s absence, head coach Jose Peseiro faces the task of selecting a suitable replacement from a pool of talented midfielders, including Joe Aribo, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, and Kelechi Iheanacho, for the upcoming fixture.

The loss of Yusuf, known for his midfield prowess, poses a significant challenge for the Super Eagles as they seek to secure a victory against formidable opponents. Despite this setback, the team remains optimistic about their prospects in the ongoing tournament, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of adversity.