Super Eagles of Nigeria will miss the services of midfielder Alhassan Yusuf when they face the Elephants of Coted’Ivoire in the second group game on Thursday.
Yusuf who was the late replacement for Wilfred Ndidi featured in the game against Equatorial Guinea and impressed with a great performance
The Royal Antwerp midfielder was later subbed off in the 69th minute due to an injury he sustained in the course of the game.
He was later taken to the hospital on Wednesday to have a scan to determine the degree of injury.
The coach of the Super Eagles Jose Peseiro on Thursday during the pre-match conference confirmed that Yusuf will not be available for the Ivorian clash but will be back for the game against Guinea Bissau.
Eagles will now have to fix in another solid leg as defensive midfielder for the game against Guinea Bissau.
The Nigerian team can’t afford to lose the game against the hosts who are the leader of the Group A after securing three points against Guinea Bissau in the first game.
Eagles came under fierce criticism after playing out a 1-1 draw with Equatorial Guinea in the first game and will hope for a redemption against the Ivorians in the match billed to kick off at 6pm Nigerian time on Thursday.