Royal Antwerp midfielder AlHassan Yusuf is set to replace Super Eagles powerhouse Wilfred Ndidi ahead of the African Cup of Nations, which kicks off on January 13, 2024.
If Yusuf becomes part of the Super Eagles starting line-up against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2024, it is going to be the player's first senior appearance for his national team.
Ndidi was absent during the Leicester City win against Huddersfield United in the Championship on January 1, 2024.
Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca revealed that Iheanacho is also injured and doesn't know whether he is fit enough to play in the AFCON.
In a post-match interview, the coach said, "Kelechi and Wilfred are both currently injured, but they are going to go with the international team. We will see if Nigeria wants to include them or send them back. As I said, they both have an injury at the moment.”
The severity of the injuries to those two players has not been revealed, but Ndidi is likely not to participate in the Nations Cup.
Ahead of the biggest tournament in Africa, Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro named the Leicester City defensive midfielder as part of the 25-man squad.
Ahead of the Super Eagles' first match on January 14, 2024, against Equatorial Guinea, the Nigerian national team initiated a training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates which will last until January 9.
How important had Ndidi been to the Super Eagles and Leicester City?
Ndidi is a defensive midfielder with a dynamic move and good pass accuracy.
He has been extremely important for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Leicester City due to his tackling ability and strength on the ball.
He scored two goals in 21 matches for Leicester City this season as they look to return to the Premier League after moving to the Championship last season.
For the Super Eagles, Ndidi is capable of playing the midfield and the defensive midfied roles.
Facts You Should Know About Ndidi's Replacement Alhassan Yusuf
Alhassan Yusuf was born on July 20, 2000, in the city of Kano, Nigeria. He is currently 23 years old, with a height of 5 feet and 9 inches. Yusuf plays for Royal Antwerp in Belgium, which he joined in 2021.
Yusuf started his youth career at FC Hearts Nigeria before moving to Europe to play for IFK Goteborg in 2018. He left the club in 2021.
On July 16, 2021, the midfielder moved to Royal Antwerp.
He currently has 98 appearances coupled with four goals and seven assists in all competitions for the Belgium club.
He has a market value of €5 million. If he starts against Equatorial Guinea, it is going to be Yusuf's first appearance for the Super Eagles.
If Yusuf becomes part of the Super Eagles starting line-up against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2024, it is going to be the player's first senior appearance for his national team.
Ndidi was absent during the Leicester City win against Huddersfield United in the Championship on January 1, 2024.
Leicester City manager Enzo Maresca revealed that Iheanacho is also injured and doesn't know whether he is fit enough to play in the AFCON.
In a post-match interview, the coach said, "Kelechi and Wilfred are both currently injured, but they are going to go with the international team. We will see if Nigeria wants to include them or send them back. As I said, they both have an injury at the moment.”
The severity of the injuries to those two players has not been revealed, but Ndidi is likely not to participate in the Nations Cup.
Ahead of the biggest tournament in Africa, Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro named the Leicester City defensive midfielder as part of the 25-man squad.
Ahead of the Super Eagles' first match on January 14, 2024, against Equatorial Guinea, the Nigerian national team initiated a training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates which will last until January 9.
How important had Ndidi been to the Super Eagles and Leicester City?
Ndidi is a defensive midfielder with a dynamic move and good pass accuracy.
He has been extremely important for the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Leicester City due to his tackling ability and strength on the ball.
He scored two goals in 21 matches for Leicester City this season as they look to return to the Premier League after moving to the Championship last season.
For the Super Eagles, Ndidi is capable of playing the midfield and the defensive midfied roles.
Facts You Should Know About Ndidi's Replacement Alhassan Yusuf
Alhassan Yusuf was born on July 20, 2000, in the city of Kano, Nigeria. He is currently 23 years old, with a height of 5 feet and 9 inches. Yusuf plays for Royal Antwerp in Belgium, which he joined in 2021.
Yusuf started his youth career at FC Hearts Nigeria before moving to Europe to play for IFK Goteborg in 2018. He left the club in 2021.
On July 16, 2021, the midfielder moved to Royal Antwerp.
He currently has 98 appearances coupled with four goals and seven assists in all competitions for the Belgium club.
He has a market value of €5 million. If he starts against Equatorial Guinea, it is going to be Yusuf's first appearance for the Super Eagles.