Nigeria's caretaker boss Augustine Eguavoen has provided a fitness update on Chidozie Awaziem ahead of his side's second Group D fixture against Sudan at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Alanyaspor central defender has not been spotted in public since the Super Eagles final workout before they took on Egypt and missed the last two training sessions, fueling speculation in some quarters that he tested positive for coronavirus.

Eguavoen has clarified that Awaziem is nursing an ankle complaint - an injury that will see him miss Saturday evening's clash against the Falcons at Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua.

At Friday morning's pre-match press conference monitored by allnigeriasoccer.com, Eguavoen was asked when Awaziem was likely to join his teammates in training and he responded : "Hopefully soon, that is beyond my control. I think if the medical staff were here now they will certify him fit to be back on the pitch.

"Awaziem is still down, he has an ankle injury as I know and he is going to be back very, very soon".

The former Porto star was not at the stadium during Nigeria's opening game against Egypt on Tuesday, January 11.

Meanwhile, CD Leganes central defender Kenneth Omeruo has been given a clean bill of health to face Sudan after his injury-enforced substitution in the closing minutes against Egypt.

Igho Kingsley