AlHassan Yusuf To Miss Group A Clash Against Cote d’Ivoire

Super Eagles of Nigeria and Royal Antwerp midfielder Al-Hassan Yusuf will miss Nigeria’s second AFCON 2013 tournament group A match against Cote D’Ivoire

but could be available for the final group game versus Guinea Bissau as the thigh injury is “not serious”.

The Antwerp midfielder, 23, who has suddenly become the darling of a whole nation, did not train Monday with the Super Eagles on account of the injury.

He trained apart from the rest of the squad with a physio.

He had said soon after the Equatorial Guinea game he only suffered cramps, which could have been caused by the hot and humid conditions on the day.

It was further revealed that a scan has now revealed he did not suffer a serious injury Sunday, but to be safe rather than sorry, he has been excused from the match against the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire.

It is then hoped he will be available for selection on January 22, when Nigeria take on Guinea Bissau in a final group game.

Coach Jose Peseiro was very categorical Alhassan has become an important player of the Super Eagles after he was drafted as a late replacement for injured Leicester City star Wilfred Ndidi.

“He showed everybody that he deserves to play for the Super Eagles,” Peseiro remarked.

“He has now become a very important player for us.”