The Super Eagles swiftly resumed training on Friday, demonstrating resilience and focus a day after their hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast in their second group game of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations.
The training session primarily focused on recovery for those who played crucial roles in the intense match. For substitutes and those who didn't partake, regular ball exercises and fitness drills were on the agenda.
Injury concerns for Super Eagles
However, a few players were absent from the group sessions, each dealing with specific issues as the team commenced preparations for their final group clash against Guinea-Bissau.
Notably, Victor Osimhen, who has been managing his training sessions leading up to the Ivory Coast encounter, once again opted out of the group sessions.
Meanwhile, Alhassan Yusuf continued his recovery, engaging in sessions with the physiotherapist, as well as leg stretches and massages.
Team sources told Afrik-foot that Yusuf may be rested for the last group game to speed up recovery process and readiness for the knockout stages.
William Troost-Ekong, the match-winner against Ivory Coast, was present at the practice pitch but had limited participation, and did not join the full training.
Sanusi on the mend
FC Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi, sustained a shoulder injury during the first half of the Ivory Coast game while executing a crucial block. Despite persevering, he was spotted in an abductor sling while conversing with the medical staff and did not participate in training sessions with the main group.
The Super Eagles, positioned second in Group A standings, are gearing up to face Guinea-Bissau in the final group encounter on Monday.
Securing a win or draw will guarantee their progression to the Round of 16, yet they aim to top the group to potentially avoid formidable opponents in the upcoming stages.
The last time the two countries met was in an AFCON 2024 double-header qualifier, Guinea-Bissau defeated Nigeria in Abuja while the Super Eagles got their revenge a few days later with a 1-0 win in Bissau courtesy of a Moses Simon spot kick.
