Friday, January 17, 2014

Sunshine Stars enforcer out of Chan?

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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