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Omonia Nicosia of Cyprus defender, Shehu Abdullahi had to be replaced in the first half of his side’s match, thereby casting him in doubt for the Super Eagles’ at next month’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, megasportsarena.com reports.
Although Abdullahi has already been named in the Eagles’ final squad list tot eh upcoming AFCON, he is now one of several players that will take fitness issues into the Nigerian camp, which is scheduled to open this Wednesday in Abuja.
The former Sokoto United, Kano Pillars and Famagusta versatile player now joins SSC Napoli of Italy striker, Victor Osimhen, Glasgow Rangers of Scotland defender, Leon Aderemi Balogun and Leicester City of England midfielder, Wilfred Onyinyen Ndidi in Nigeria’s list of injured players.
A report by allnigeriasoccer.com added: “Shehu has emerged as an injury worry for interim Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen ahead of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
“The versatile right-back suffered an injury during the first half of Omonia Nicosia’s 4-2 loss to city rivals APOEL on Boxing Day, leading to his replacement by Paris Psaltis.
“Shehu felt discomfort after a duel with an APOEL defender in the 34th minute and managed to continue playing until the 37th minute when he had to be substituted.
“The 2016 Olympics bronze medalist is expected to compete with Chidozie Awaziem and Ola Aina for the Super Eagles right-back spot at the Africa Cup of Nations, while Kenneth Omeruo could cover at right-back though it’s not his natural position.
“The former Kano Pillars man had injury issues at the last AFCON, missing all the games played by the national team during the tournament in Egypt with the exception of the match versus Burundi.
“Ahead of the start of an Africa Cup of Nations training camp, Nigeria are also sweating on the fitness of three undisputed starters in Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Osimhen and Leon Balogun, who are all recovering from injuries.”
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