2023 AFCON: Two players coach Peseiro could deploy in absence of Ndidi

Super Eagles of Nigeria were dealt a major injury blow ahead of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign, with midfielder Wilfred Ndidi ruled out of the tournament in Ivory Coast.

Ndidi sustained an injury while playing for his English club, Leicester City, and although he made the final 25-man roster for the 2023 AFCON, further medical checks have now ruled him out of the tournament.

In quick reaction to his confirmed unavailability, Coach Jose Peseiro handed Royal Anterwerp midfielder Alhassan Yusuf a late call-up.

With the AFCON just 10 days away, here are two players Peseiro could likely deploy at the heart of the Super Eagles midfield to replace the highly influential Ndidi.

Frank Onyeka

The 25-year-old is expected to fill the void in the defensive midfield role in the absence of Leicester’s Wilfred Ndidi.

Onyeka has established himself as a mainstay in Brentford’s midfield since his move to the Premier League side in the summer of 2021.

Nicknamed ‘The Tank’, he can play as a central or defensive midfielder. His height gives him an advantage during 50/50 duels. He’s also good with tackles and has a good ball-winning rate, which will help the Super Eagles squad at AFCON filled with attacking players.

His pace also helps him recover quickly, and he can be a good box-to-box midfielder.

Onyeka is also good at dribbling and will have to do less if he plays in the defensive position for the Super Eagles at AFCON.

Alhassan Yussuf

Royal Antwerp’s Alhassan Yussuf was named on the 41-man provisional list for AFCON and has earned his first call-up following Ndidi’s injury.

The 23-year-old joined the Belgian side in 2021 from IFK Goteborg.

Yussuf has made 15 appearances in the league for his side this season and has two assists.

Yussuf is a good tackler, with impressive passing and ball-winning abilities.