AFCON 2021: Nigeria suffer major setback as another key player to miss tournament

Nigeria has suffered more setbacks ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, opener against Egypt on January 11.

The Super Eagles’ interim manager, Austine Eguavoen, will be without Genk striker, Paul Onuachu when the Super Eagles tackle Egypt after the player picked up a hamstring injury over the weekend.

Onuachu sustained the injury during Genk’s 1-1 home draw against Royal Antwerp on Sunday.

The 27-year-old star had opened the scoring for Genk in the first half before sustaining the injury.

The former FC Midtjylland star was later replaced by Ike Ugbo 20 minutes from time.

Onuachu is now expected to spend around a month on the sidelines as a result of the latest setback.

Recall that Watford midfielder, Oghenekaro Etebo, has already been ruled out of the AFCON finals in Cameroon due to injury and there are still doubts over Napoli striker Victor Osimhen’s participation in the tournament.

Meanwhile, Eguavoen is expected to release his provisional list for the 2021 AFCON this week.

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