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NFF Gives Update On Kelechi Iheanacho Ahead Of 2023 AFCON

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NFF Gives Update On Kelechi Iheanacho Ahead Of 2023 AFCON

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Super Eagles forward, Kelechi Iheanacho is not fully fit ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast.

Even though the football body has confirmed that Kelechi Iheanacho is not fit, the NFF failed to completely rule him out of the 2023 AFCON which will kick off on January 13 and end on February 11.

The NFF president Ibrahim Gusau has revealed that he has spoken with Iheanacho and that the 27-year-old forward is recovering from his injury.

He also revealed that the former Manchester City star is expected to link up with the rest of the Super Eagles AFCON squad in Lagos on January 9, the same day the team is expected to fly from their training camp in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates to Nigeria.

“I have spoken to Iheanacho, he’s recovering fast and has even started running. He will most likely join us in Lagos, where the team will be hosted to a dinner on January 9,” Gusau told reporters in Abuja.

However, the coach of Leicester City, Enzo Maresca, has stressed that Kelechi Iheanacho is still injured and isn’t sure whether he would be ready for the 2023 AFCON.

Maresca noted on Friday, January 5, that if Iheanacho was fit, he would have been in Leicester City’s squad for the FA Cup third-round game against Millwall later today.

“I don’t know if Iheanacho can play at AFCON,” the coach said.

“The only thing I can say is that Kele is still injured. He’s getting better but still not 100 percent, otherwise, he would be in the squad for tomorrow (today).”

Note that the Super Eagles will fly to Abidjan, Ivory Coast on January 10 and commence their 2023 AFCON campaign against Equatorial Guinea on January 14.

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EPL: Arsenal receive Partey injury boost

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EPL: Arsenal receive Partey injury boost

Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey is set to make a return from injury by the end of January.

Partey has made good progress in his rehabilitation work and will hand the Gunners a timely boost.

The Ghanaian has been plagued with different injuries throughout his time in England and picked up a groin problem at the beginning of the season.

He briefly returned to action in October, but picked up another long-term muscular injury.

Partey was then left out of Ghana’s final squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

However, The Mirror reports that the 30-year-old has shown progress in his rehabilitation work and could return to the first team ahead of their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest on January 30.

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EPL: Chelsea’s stance on sacking Pochettino revealed

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EPL: Chelsea’s stance on sacking Pochettino revealed

Chelsea’s stance on sacking their manager, Mauricio Pochettino has been revealed.

Pochettino is under significant pressure as head coach at Stamford Bridge due to the club’s not too impressive display this season.

The Argentine recently watched as Middlesbrough defeated the Blues 1-0 in the Carabao Cup semi-final first-leg tie.

His team currently sit in the 10th position on the Premier League table after 20 games this season.

However, according to The Telegraph, Pochettino’s job is safe for now despite their latest defeat to Middlesbrough.

The report added that his position at the west London club is not in jeopardy while Chelsea have a ‘realistic chance’ of qualifying for Europe.

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AFCON 2023: Harsh weather condition won’t be an excuse for Super Eagles – Peseiro

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AFCON 2023: Harsh weather condition won’t be an excuse for Super Eagles – Peseiro

Super Eagles head coach, Jose Peseiro has said his side can’t use the difficult weather condition in Abidjan as an excuse ahead of their opening game at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The West Africans arrived Abidjan in buoyant mood on Wednesday morning despite losing 2-0 to Guinea in a friendly two days earlier.

The Eagles had a light training session after setting down at their base, the magnificent Pullman Hotel.

Peseiro stated that his team must focus on the task ahead and not allow any form of distraction.

“We cannot give excuses about the weather; we need to put in our focus, adapt well and do our best ahead of the first match, which is very important for us,” he told NFF TV.

The Super Eagles will open their campaign at the 2023 AFCON finals against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.

They will also face hosts, Cote d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau in the group stage.

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