AFCON 2021: Nigeria suffers another major injury blow ahead of Egypt clash

Nigeria has suffered another injury blow ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, opener against Egypt on January 11.

Nigerian defender, Abdullahi Shehu, has emerged as an injury worry for the Super Eagles’ interim manager, Austine Eguavoen, ahead of the Egypt clash.

Shehu suffered an injury during the first half of Omonia Nicosia’s 4-2 defeat to APOEL on Boxing Day.

The right-back felt discomfort after a duel with an APOEL defender in the 34th minute and managed to continue playing until the 37th minute when he was replaced by Paris Psaltis.

Shehu is expected to compete with Ola Aina and Chidozie Awaziem for the Super Eagles right-back position at the AFCON, while Kenneth Omeruo could cover at right-back though it’s not his natural position.

The 28-year-old will now hope to recover on time before Nigeria tackle Egypt.

Recall that Super Eagles striker, Paul Onuachu, was not included in the 28-man provisional squad for AFCON after he sustained a hamstring injury during Genk’s 1-1 home draw against Royal Antwerp a few days ago.

Nigeria are in Group D alongside Egypt, Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.