AFCON 2023: Musa, Moses, Omeruo, home-based Eagles depart for UAE

The Super Eagles will begin their final preparation for the Cote d’Ivoire 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Abu Dhabi, UAE…on January 2, 2024.

• Doctors to examine Iheanacho, Ndidi’s injuries today

Skipper Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon, Kenneth Omeruo and Enyimba goalkeeper, Olorunleke Ojo, were among the Super Eagles delegates that departed for Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), yesterday, to begin preparations for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations, which begins on January 13 in Cote d’Ivoire.

Musa, Omeruo and Moses were among Europe-based players that returned to Nigeria for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. They joined the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) team, which departed Nigeria for UAE via Cairo aboard an EgyptAir flight yesterday.

The 12-man team are expected to be joined by Coach Jose Peseiro and the Europe-based players today ahead of tomorrow’s first training session in the Middle East.

The Guardian learnt that Alex Iwobi and his Fulham teammate, Calvin Bassey, as well as the injured Leicester duo, Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, were expected to arrive in the camp last night.

A source at the NFF secretariate said all the players, except Samuel Chukwueze, who was permitted to play in AC Milan’s Coppa Italia game yesterday, were expected to arrive in the camp as scheduled.

There are indications that the Iheanacho and Ndidi could miss Nigeria’s opening game against Equatoria Guinea on January 14 because they are currently injured.

Ndidi and Iheanacho were not listed by Leicester City in their matchday squad against Wrexham on Monday and Manager, Enzo Maresca, explained that the duo would still join the Eagles today.

Maresca said: “Kelechi (Iheanacho) and Wilfred (Ndidi) are both currently injured, but they are