Eight athletes have not yet reported to the Super Eagles 2023 AFCON camp.
Nearly every one of the 25 Super Eagles players that were invited to the 2023 AFCON has arrived at Nigeria’s training facility in Abu Dhabi, AL Arab Emirates.
It should be noted that the Super Eagles team officially started training for the 2023 AFCON earlier today, on January 3, in the United Arab Emirates. They plan to stay there through January 9.
About eight players have not yet reported to the camp, which has been open since Tuesday, January 2, according to information obtained by Naija News as of today’s midday.
The 23-year-old midfielder Alhassan Yusuf, who was invited to take Wilfred Ndidi’s spot in the starting lineup due to injury, is at the top of the list.
Additionally, Ndidi’s Leicester City teammate Kelechi Iheanacho, who is also not fully healthy, has not yet reported to camp as of this writing.
There are concerns that Iheanacho may not be well enough to play on January 14 against Equatoria Guinea in the Super Eagles’ 2023 AFCON opening.
In addition, there are rumors that if his health problems are not remedied in time for the Eagles’ opening game in Ivory Coast, he may be replaced on the squad.
Francis Uzoho, the Eagles’ first-choice goalie, has not yet returned to camp. Last night, he performed at his Cypriot club, Omonoia. His presence helped his club defeat AEL 3-1.
Remember that because of their commitments to their respective clubs last night, Uzoho, Samuel Chukwueze, and Sadiq Umar of Real Sociedad were allowed to report to camp later than usual. As of this writing, none of them had resumed their camping activities.
Victor Osimhen of Napoli, who is anticipated to be the Super Eagles’ most crucial player in Ivory Coast, has not yet returned to action.
Remarkably, as of this writing, Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali of Lobi Stars has not yet traveled to the United Arab Emirates to join the Super Eagles.
Additionally, William Troost-Ekong, a senior defender with the Super Eagles who presently plays for PAOK in the Greek Super League, has not yet reported to camp.
Take note that the Super Eagles will travel to Lagos on January 9 and then to Abidjan, Ivory Coast on January 10 in preparation for the January 13 start of the 2023 AFCON.