Setback for Super Eagles as Alhassan Yusuf is ruled out of Cote d’Ivoire clash

Super Eagles’ midfielder Alhassan Yusuf will miss Nigeria’s match against Cote d’Ivoire at the ongoing 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, as confirmed by head coach Jose Peseiro.

Royale Antwerp midfielder Alhassan Yusuf suffered injury during Nigeria’s opening match against Equatorial Guinea, where he was stretchered off the field.

Responding to inquiries about Yusuf’s condition after a scan, Peseiro revealed that the defensive midfielder will not be available for the Cote d’Ivoire match but could potentially return for the last group game vs Guinea Bissau.

In his pre-match interview, Jose Peseiro provided update on the Super Eagles team saying, “Yusuf is out from tomorrow’s game, there are no other injuries, it’s good news from yesterday. But for this match, he [Alhassan Yusuf] is not ready, but the next game, he can be”.

There remains uncertainty about Yusuf’s availability for the rest of the AFCON tournament. Speculations are circulating, suggesting that he might be sidelined for the remainder of the competition due to the nature of the injury.

Nigeria will face Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, January 18, 2024 by 6pm at the Alhassan Oauttara Stadium in Abidjan.