The Super Eagles have been rocked by a major injury blow just days before the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations as star midfielder Wilfred Ndidi has been ruled out of the tournament due to an undisclosed injury, leaving a gaping hole in the heart of the Nigerian midfield.
Wilfred Ndidi, a stalwart for both club and country, missed Leicester City’s recent 4-1 victory over Huddersfield Town on Monday and will miss the entire competition.
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His absence is a devastating blow to the Super Eagles’ hopes of winning a fourth continental title, with his command of the midfield and game-reading abilities widely considered irreplaceable.
The Leicester midfielder has been a key figure this season, contributing four goals and six assists in 24 games.
Adding to the Super Eagles’ woes, forward Kelechi Iheanacho is also yet to report to camp, raising concerns about his fitness ahead of the tournament.
In Ndidi’s place, Royal Antwerp’s Alhassan Yusuf has been called up as a late replacement.
Yusuf, who was previously named in the 45-man provisional squad, has made 25 appearances this season, scoring once and providing three assists. However, the young midfielder faces the daunting task of filling the void left by Ndidi’s absence.
