Setback for Nigeria As Ndidi, Iheanacho Set to Get Dropped From AFCON Squad

• Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho are set to miss AFCON 2023 for Nigeria
• Both Leicester City players have been selected in Nigeria’s squad
• Nigeria will kick off their AFCON 2023 tournament on January 14

Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro is reportedly set to drop Leicester City duo Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho from his final 25-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Both player's participation at the 34th edition of the AFCON is under threat as they are currently battling with varying degrees of injuries prior to the kick-off of the Mundial.

According to Daily Post, Ndidi was out from Leicester City’s squad for Monday's 4-1 home win over Huddersfield Town, while Iheanacho has missed the Foxes' last two Championship games owing to a muscle ailment.

Peseiro is now ready to count his losses by excluding both players from the AFCON squad who have been an integral part of the Super Eagles team in recent years as their replacements have been lined up.

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The exclusion of Ndidi and Iheanacho will be a massive blow to the Super Eagles as their chances of winning a fourth AFCON title will take a major hit due to the experiences of both players.

Yusuf to replace injured Ndidi

Meanwhile, The Nation reports that Royal Antwerp midfielder Alhassan Yusuf has been drafted as a late replacement for Wilfred Ndidi from the Super Eagles 25-man squad to AFCON 2023.

Jose Peseiro, as well as the Super Eagles team administrator, have reportedly contacted Alhassan Yusuf to report to the AFCON training camp in Dubai as Nigeria gears up for the tournament.

All 24 teams for the AFCON, including Nigeria, will submit their final list to CAF on January 3 but have till January 10 to make changes in the event of injury.

Peseiro defends his Nigeria squad

Earlier, Sports Brief reported Super Eagles manager Jose Peseiro backed the decision to bring 25 players in for the tournament, emphasising the benefits in terms of group dynamics and training.

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The coach also elaborated on the criteria for selecting the final squad for AFCON, considering factors such as working with the squad, performance, and current form.

Peseiro further emphasised the importance of current form, individual characteristics, and the need for a mix of qualities in the chosen players.