Nigeria’s preparation for the AFCON 2023 has taken another hit as Real Sociedad striker Sadiq Umar has been ruled out of the tournament.
The 26-year-old sat out two of the Super Eagles training sessions since arrival in the Ivory Coast after complaining of discomfort in his knees.
He reportedly got injured in Nigeria's loss to Guinea over the weekend and although he was hopeful of being fit for the tournament, it has turned out not to be the case. He will need about a month to get back to fitness and this has effectively ruled him out of the tournament.
Nigeria's injury woes continue before AFCON 2O23 start
This adds to the Super Eagles' injury concerns, with two players already sidelined. Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho is also on the treatment table and in a frantic race against time to regain fitness for the tournament.
Antwerp’s Alhassan Yusuf has replaced the injured Wilfred Ndidi, while Terem Moffi, from OG Nice, will join the squad this weekend, taking the spot vacated by Bayer Leverkusen striker Victor Boniface.
Umar out, Onuachu in for AFCON 2023
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has decided to call up Trabzonspor striker Paul Onuachu as Sadiq Umar's replacement, pending approval from his Turkish club.
According to CAF regulations, injury-induced replacements can be made up to 24 hours before the team's first game at the AFCON.
Onuachu, 29, who has scored nine goals with three assists at his club-side in this season missed the last AFCON in Cameroon due to injury.
The Super Eagles will play their first game in the tournament when they face Equatorial Guinea on Sunday, January 14.
