AFCON 2021: Nigeria suffer another potential injury blow following Osimhen’s surgery

The three-time champions are expected to be without the Napoli striker when the competition kicks off next year, but they could also be without another key player 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have suffered another injury scare ahead of next year’s Africa Cup of Nations after their number one goalkeeper Maduka Okoye walked off with a suspected shoulder injury in Sparta Rotterdam’s clash against Ajax.

Okoye walked off in the 24th minute for Sparta’s reserved goalkeeper Benjamin van Leer after clashing with an Ajax player while attempting to catch the ball.

Although the injury appears not to be serious, the Super Eagles will be worried over his fitness, with AFCON starting in just over a month.

Okoye is Nigeria’s number one goalkeeper and will be key to their chances of winning a fourth continental title next year.

Losing him will be a big blow for the three-time African champions as they are expected to be without star striker Victor Osimhen, who has been ruled out of action for three months due to a facial injury.

Okoye’s injury is also a blow for Sparta in their battle to avoid relegation this season. The 21-year-old, who recently signed for Watford ahead of next season, has made 13 appearances for The Castle Lords this campaign.