Nigerians have expressed their confidence in Antwerp midfielder Alhassan Yusuf, who has been given a late call-up to exchange the injured Wilfred Ndidi on the Tremendous Eagles camp in Abu Dhabi forward of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, studies PUNCH Sports activities Further.
The biennial Nations Cup takes place from January 13 to February 11.
Yusuf was initially named on coach Jose Peseiro's preliminary 41-man record however was dropped from the ultimate 25-man squad launched final Friday because the Portuguese coach caught with Ndidi Raphael Onyedika Joe Aribo's midfield lineup. Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi.
Following hypothesis, the Nigeria Soccer Federation confirmed on Wednesday that Kano-born midfielder will change Ndidi, whereas Kelechi Iheanacho, who can also be injured, continues to be hoping to affix the crew earlier than the AFCON begins.
Yusuf was a daily for Antwerp within the Belgian Professional League and the Champions League this season. He made fifteen league appearances and offered two assists, as he performed in all six of their Champions League group video games, scoring one objective and likewise offering one help. .
Some followers who watched him this season cheered his participation.
“An excellent substitute. I noticed his Champions League debut and the man appeared calm and imposing in the course of the park,” stated Eminghotei Buna.
One other fan Tijjani Zayyad additionally stated he ought to get sufficient taking part in time through the event. “Good substitute, Onyedikachi and Alhassan ought to get an honest run. Realizing Pesiero, I do know he’ll in all probability experiment with Iwobi/Onyeka, which gained't work.”
Others additionally thought he deserved a spot within the first squad.
“Why change Ndidi when there’s nonetheless room for 2 extra gamers. Simply add Alhassan Yusuf, straightforward. Ndidi won’t be on the record on match days. You guys need to deny Ndidi an AFCON medal if we win it,” wrote a fan recognized as Frank.
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