Striker Terem Moffi is reportedly absent from the Super Eagles’ camp in Ivory Coast, in less than 24 hours to the teams opening game.
Moffi who took the spot of Victor Boniface, is expected to have a last match with OGC Nice on Saturday night, before departing the French Ligue 1 side for Ivory Coast, the host country of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
His callup adds to the Super Eagles’ selection concerns, even as Sodiq Umar has joined Nigeria’s growing injury list. Although, he has been replaced by Paul Onuachu after suffering a knee injury during a pre-AFCON friendly against Guinea.
This makes Umar the third player to withdraw from coach Jose Paseiro’s squad due to injury, joining Wilfred Ndidi and Victor Boniface on the list of unavailable players, while Kelechi Iheanacho remains in contention.
Recall that Iheanacho’s Leicester boss confirmed in a press briefing on Friday, that he “remains out” due to a muscular injury.
The mid-season scheduling of AFCON poses challenges for clubs and players, as FIFA rules require clubs to release their players for the continental championship, even if it means missing crucial domestic games.
Although, a mutual understanding between club and country coaches may see this rule bend a bit, given the circumstance, as is the case with Andre Onana, who may miss Cameroon’s first match, while playing for Manchester United against Tottenham on Sunday.
