AFCON 2023: Concerns for Jose Peseiro As Super Eagles Forward in Doubt Over Injury Situation

• Kelechi Iheanacho was not included in Leicester City's Match Day squad against Cardiff City
• The Nigerian international was said to have suffered an injury on Boxing Day
• His injury status is yet to be ascertained as he becomes doubtful for the AFCON tournament

Nigerian international Kelechi Iheanacho is now a major doubt for the forthcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Iheanacho was not included in Leicester City's squad for their away win at Cardiff City on Friday night amid reports that he sustained an injury on Boxing Day.

According to his manager, Enzo Maresca, the 27-year-old will be assessed to ascertain his injury status.

Maresca stated that if the injury proved to be serious, the forward would not be allowed to join his international teammates for the continental showpiece. The agent told reporters, as per The Punch:

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“Kelechi has a muscle problem two days ago.

“We are still waiting to see if it’s something important or a matter of days. But I don’t think he will be able for the next one (against Huddersfield).

“We don’t know yet (if it will affect his Afcon call-up). It depends on the injury. If it’s an important injury, he has no chance to go. If it’s not important, he can go.”

Iheanacho and Foxes teammate Wilfred Ndidi were named in Jose Peseiro’s 25-man Eagles squad for the AFCON on Friday.

As he battles with his fitness, players like Terem Moffi and Gift Orban are on standby to be called up for the tournament in Ivory Coast.

Nigeria are drawn in Group A alongside the host nation, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau.

Okocha criticises CAF

Sports Brief earlier reported that Jay Jay Okocha took a stand against CAF, criticising the timing of the event and its repercussions on African players in European leagues.

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Ivory Coast is gearing up to host the 34th edition of this biennial football tournament, showcasing the continent's top talents.

While fans and stakeholders eagerly anticipate the kickoff of what promises to be a riveting festival of football, a wave of discontent ripples through elite clubs across Europe due to the tournament schedule.