Alhassan Yusuf ruled out of tomorrow's crucial Nations Cup game against Ivory Coast

ROYAL Antwerp midfielder Alhassan Yusuf will miss Nigeria's second Group A game against Ivory Coast in the ongoing African Cup of Nations tomorrow after head coach Jose Peseiro confirmed that the player will be rested for the match.

Yusuf, 23, was Nigeria's outstanding player in the opening game against Equatorial Guinea but was stretchered off in the 69th minute with an injury. Providing an update on the situation, Mr Peseiro said Yusuf will sit out the next game against the hosts but might be available for the final group game against Guinea-Bissau.

Mr Peseiro said: “Yusuf is out from tomorrow’s game, there are no other injuries, it’s a good news from yesterday. However, for this match, Alhassan Yusuf is not ready but the next game, he can be.”

While Yusuf’s injury has raised concerns among Nigerian football fans ahead of the crucial clash against Ivory Coast, there is uncertainty about his availability for the rest of the tournament. Rumours are circulating that he might be ruled out for the remainder of the competition due to the injury.

As the Super Eagles aim to secure all points in the upcoming match against the hosts, the absence of Yusuf adds an element of uncertainty to Nigeria’s midfield. It is most likely that he will be replaced with Southampton's Joe Aribo.