AFCON 2019: Shehu Abdullahi May Miss Rest Of Nigeria Campaign

 

 

Shehu Abdullahi could miss the remainder of Nigeria’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations outing with a hamstring injury.

 

The Bursaspor defender was stretchered out in the first half, and was replaced by Chidozie Awaziem in the Super Eagles 1-0 triumph over Burundi.

 

Abdullahi had shrugged off an injury-plagued season with his Turkish topflight outfit to make Gernot Rohr’s squad to the biennial African football showpiece.

 

Although Nigeria medics did not place a timeframe on his full recovery, media officer Toyin Ibitoye told Goal that the right-back would be sidelined for Wednesday’s showdown with Guinea in Alexandria.

 

 

While Rohr remained vague as to the extent of the injury, Goal understands the problem is not a severe one, but Nigeria will not risk exacerbating the injury with other options available for selection.

 

Therefore, the Super Eagles No.12 may not feature again for the three-time African kings in Egypt.

 

Since his international debut, Abdullahi who gave a positive injury update on Twitter has enjoyed a superb outing for the country – playing in the 2018 Fifa World Cup and boasting of 27 caps.

 

The injury setback will come to the Olympic bronze medalist, who has vowed to help Nigeria grab a fourth African title.

 

In his absence, the 2013 African champions will need to find someone to stop the attacking forays of opposing strikers.

 

Group B leaders, Nigeria face the National Elephants with victory handing them an early place in the Round of 16.