Nigeria
midfielder, Ikenna Hillary Paul (pictured), could be ruled out of the remainder of the
2014 African Nations Championship (Chan) in South Africa.
The
Sunshine Stars man has been out with a hamstring injury since Nigeria's opening
day loss to Mali and now looks doubtful for the rest of the tournament, according
to a team official.
"Ikenna
Paul's injury is not looking good. The doctor says he could be out for the
remaining part of the Chan and also there's a chance of recovery before the
tournament ends.
“But
the coaching crew will still wait on the doctor for more words on Ikenna as a
hamstring takes about four to five weeks to heal in most cases we have been
told. On the other hand, Benjamin Francis should be back in the team as he has
made progress after the knock he suffered against Mali. So he is in line to
play against South Africa in the next game," Super Eagles spokesman, Ben
Alaiya disclosed.
Paul
is gutted by the news of his long-term injury but is confident he can shake it
off and return back to the team.
"Yes
they told me that (I might be out of the tournament due to injury). But my God
has not said so. I believe a miracle is still possible. There's improvement for
me and like today I feel better than before," Paul told Naijaligue.blog.com
on Thursday.
However,
Paul still remains unavailable for selection ahead of Sunday's decisive clash
with South Africa in Cape Town.
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