Nigerian combative midfielder, Alhassan Yusuf, has been ruled out of the all-important clash with AFCON 2023 hosts, Elephants of Cote d’lvoire, as Sebastian Haller could make his return against the Super Eagles on Thursday in a Group A encounter at the on going Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Govima Sport Reports….
The defensive midfielder who plys his trade in Belgium with Royal Antwerp won the hearts of many Nigerian football lovers with his impressive cameo in Nigeria’s clash last time out against Equatorial Guinea last Sunday.
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro, disclosed in a pre-match press conference on Wednesday in Abidjan, ahead of the crucial encounter on Thursday, that Yusuf will be available for the last group game. however he’ll miss out against Cote d’Ivoire.
Peseiro said: “Yusuf is out, but he may be back for our last group game.
Yusuf, who came into the squad as a late replacement for Leicester City’s Wilfred Ndidi has emerged as a worthy addition to the Super Eagles.
With the midfielder now ruled out of the game against Cote d’Ivoire, he will hope to stage a return for the last group game against Guinea-Bissau on Monday.
On the other hand, report coming from the camp of the host Nation Cote d’Ivoire has it that Injured striker Sebastian Haller is set to return to action in the game against the Super Eagles Tomorrow.
The Dortmund striker has been out of action in the last few weeks and he has been recovering in Abidjan, before the start of the African Cup of Nations.
He missed the opening game earlier against Guinea Bissau and according to their coach Louis Gasset, he has now resumed full team training and is set to play a part in their second game.
Gasset in his words said: “Sébastien is recovering well, as he should, given his situation.
“We will evaluate his progress and make a judgment on his participation in the match, at the appropriate time “
