Earlier, midfielder Ndidi Winifred was sidelined from the competition due to an ankle injury, paving the way for Alhassan to take his place in the squad. Now, the team faces another blow as forward Victor Boniface has also picked up an injury, forcing him to miss the entire AFCON tournament.

This news comes just ahead of the competition's kick-off scheduled for this Saturday in Ivory Coast. The Super Eagles are set to face their first opponent, Guinea, on Sunday, marking the beginning of their campaign in the prestigious tournament.

The absence of key players like Ndidi Winifred and Victor Boniface poses a challenge for the Nigerian team, but with a squad of talented players, they will strive to overcome these setbacks and make a strong impact in the 2023 AFCON. Football enthusiasts eagerly await the unfolding action as teams from across Africa vie for glory in this highly anticipated tournament.