Please be aware that the Super Eagles squad officially initiated their preparations for the 2023 AFCON earlier today, January 3, in the UAE, and they are scheduled to remain there until January 9.
As of noon today, Torizone reported that approximately eight players have not yet joined the camp, which has been open since Tuesday, January 2.
Leading the list is Alhassan Yusuf, the 23-year-old midfielder who was called up to replace the injured Leicester City midfielder, Wilfred Ndidi.
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Furthermore, Kelechi Iheanacho, also from Leicester City and not fully fit, has not reported to the camp at the time of writing. Concerns are rising that Iheanacho might not recover in time to participate in the Super Eagles’ 2023 AFCON opener against Equatorial Guinea on January 14. Speculations suggest he might be replaced in the team if his fitness issues persist ahead of the Eagles’ first match in Ivory Coast.
Francis Uzoho, the Eagles’ first-choice goalkeeper, is also yet to join the camp, having played for his Cypriot club, Omonoia, last night. Uzoho contributed to his team’s 3-1 victory. It’s worth noting that Uzoho, Sadiq Umar of Real Sociedad, and Samuel Chukwueze were granted permission to report to camp later due to their club commitments last night. As of the current update, they have not yet joined the camping activities.
Victor Osimhen, the Napoli striker expected to be a crucial player for the Super Eagles in Ivory Coast, has also not resumed camp.
Surprisingly, Stanley Nwabali, the Lobi Stars goalkeeper based in Nigeria, has not joined the Super Eagles in the UAE at the time of writing.
Additionally, Super Eagles veteran defender William Troost-Ekong, currently playing for Greek Super League club PAOK, is also absent from camp.
It’s important to note that the Super Eagles are scheduled to fly to Lagos on January 9 before proceeding to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, on January 10 for the 2023 AFCON, which is set to commence on January 13.