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AFCON 2023: Sadiq doubtful for Super Eagles opener against Equatorial Guinea
Super Eagles handlers are sweating over the fitness of forward, Umar Sadiq ahead of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash with Equatorial Guinea.
Sadiq trained separately from the rest of the squad on Wednesday night.
The 26-year-old picked a knock in the Super Eagles friendly against the Syli Stars of Guinea on Monday.
The Real Sociedad striker now faces a race to be fit for the Super Eagles clash with the Nzalang Nacional billed for the Alassanne Quattara Stadium on Sunday.
Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen could now be the only fit striker available for the game against Equatorial Guinea.
Kelechi Iheanacho, who has recovered from a muscular problem, will only join the Super Eagles squad on Saturday.
OGC Nice of France star, Terem Moffi, who is a replacement for the injured Victor Boniface is expected to link up with the team on Sunday.
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.
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.
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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