Audio By Carbonatix
Wilfred Ndidi has been ruled out of Nigeria's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign because of injury.
The 27-year-old Leicester City midfielder was named in the Super Eagles' 25-man squad on 29 December but was absent from his club side's win over Huddersfield Town on Monday.
Royal Antwerp midfielder Alhassan Yusuf has been called up to replace Ndidi.
Nigeria are still hopeful Ndidi's Leicester team-mate Kelechi Iheanacho will be able to join the squad.
Forward Iheanacho, 27, has missed the Foxes' past two games in the Championship with a muscle problem.
Nigeria begin their Group A campaign against Equatorial Guinea on 14 January, and the West Africans will also face hosts Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau in the group stage.
Meanwhile, Rennes striker Amine Gouiri has withdrawn from Algeria's squad because of a knee injury.
The North Africans are yet to name a replacement for the 23-year-old, who made his debut for the Fennecs in October after switching his international allegiance from France.
Latest Stories
-
Ghana Christian University president jailed 14 days for contempt of court
15 minutes -
World Cup 2026: Black Stars move camp to Rhode Island ahead of first game
28 minutes -
Youth unemployment worsening – Oppong Nkrumah unveils 5-point rescue plan
41 minutes -
Nigeria lawmakers advance state police reform to curb insecurity
53 minutes -
US summer driving season hits as gasoline supplies squeezed tight
1 hour -
Everyone needs to feel loved playing for England – Bellingham
1 hour -
South Korea come from behind to defeat Czech Republic
1 hour -
Denied World Cup entry, Somali referee Artan to officiate UEFA Super Cup
1 hour -
Trump says Iran war deal close as Strait of Hormuz tensions linger
2 hours -
Bawumia credits UK-Ghana Business Council for driving key investments
2 hours -
UK High Commissioner commends Bawumia’s focus on policy-based politics
2 hours -
Bawumia highlights strong UK-Ghana partnership after meeting British High Commissioner
2 hours -
World Cup fever meets power anxiety: Ho residents plead for stable electricity
2 hours -
Nii Lante Vanderpuye ready to contest NDC chairmanship if Asiedu Nketia steps aside
2 hours -
Government to begin paying Free SHS suppliers’ arrears next week
2 hours