The Super Eagles are set to be without Iheanacho and Ndidi when they kick off their Africa Cup of Nations Campaign against Equatorial Guinea.
Nigeria's Super Eagles are sweating on the fitness of Leicester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations clash against Equatorial Guinea on January 14, 2023.
Iheanacho doubtful for Nigeria's AFCON campaign
The Super Eagles will start their quest for a fourth AFCON title against Nzalang Nacional but will likely be without Ihenacho for the encounter.
Nigeria's camp officially opened in the United Arab Emirates on January 3, with 17 players arriving on the first day.
However, Iheanacho was not among the players as he is currently nursing an injury. The 27-year-old is currently at his club in England, having missed their last two games due to the injury.
At the moment, it is unclear if Iheanacho would be fit for Nigeria's AFCON campaign but the team's media officer revealed that they are still hoping to have the former Man City man available before AFCON commences.
It looks unlikely, though, as Ihenacho will miss the training camp in Dubai and will not be available for the first encounter against Equatorial Guinea.
Should Iheanacho fail to recover from his injury on time, OGC Nice forward Terem Moffi is expected to replace him in Nigeria's squad.
Nigeria to be without Ndidi for AFCON
Meanwhile, Iheanacho's teammate at Leicester, Wilfred Ndidi, has been officially ruled out of Nigeria's squad for AFCON.
Like Iheanacho, Ndidi is also nursing an injury and he is not expected to recover on time. Ndidi's absence is a big blow to Nigeria's AFCON chances, but the team's coach, Jose Peserio, has called up Royal Antwerp's Alhassan Yusuf as his replacement.
The Super Eagles have been drawn in Group A alongside hosts, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.
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