Nigeria forward Kelechi Iheanacho was missing in action when Leicester City claimed a 2-0 victory over Cardiff City in the English Championship on Friday night.
After the game, Leicester manager Enzo Maresca gave an update on the Super Eagles’ forward situation as he hinted he Iheanacho sustained a muscle injury in the 1:1 draw against Ipswich Town on the Boxing Day.
Iheanacho has been included in the 25-man Super Eagles squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire announced by Portuguese trainer Jose Peseiro on Friday.
Iheanacho’s involvement in Africa’s top football competition is uncertain due to a muscle injury disclosed by the Leicester boss.
The full assessment of the injury’s severity and extent is still pending.
“The striker’s injury is still been assessed, so the severity is not known. But if it is serious, he won’t be able to represent his country at the Africa Cup of Nations.” Maresca said.
If confirmed that Iheanacho can’t make it to the AFCON, that will open a window of opportunity for the likes of Terem Moffi, Paul Onuachu, or Emmanuel Dennis as replacement for the Leicester forward.
The Super Eagles have already been dealt a blow after Nottingham Forest striker Taiwo Awoniyi was ruled out of next month’s tournament due to an injury.
