'I don't know' -  Peseiro admits he's in the dark over availability of key defender for AFCON showpiece

Nigeria reached the final of the Africa Cup of Nations for the eighth time on Wednesday evening after beating South Africa and in doing so set up a meeting with hosts Ivory Coast in Sunday's showpiece at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan.

The Super Eagles qualified for the final in nail-biting fashion as they needed extra time and penalties to see off an impressive Bafana Bafana side. 

Porto defender Zaidu Sanusi, who has been mostly used as a left wing-back in the ongoing tournament, was not listed in the gameday squad for the semifinal clash against South Africa. 

Zaidu was not involved in the Super Eagles recovery workout last weekend hough he was spotted in the training ground and also showed up for the final training session before the clash against South Africa but did not take part in any physical activities. 

The 26-year-old is usually guaranteed a spot in Nigeria's ideal starting lineup, having started five of the six games played by the national team before the clash with Bafana Bafana.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, manager Jose Peseiro admitted that he is in the dark over the availability of Zaidu for the final against Ivory Coast. 

When asked by Brila FM's Anthony Bekederemo for an update on Zaidu, Peseiro responded: "I didn't do any list yesterday. Osimhen was suffering from problems in the stomach. As for Zaidu, it's an injury he picked up in the match against Angola, he didn't practise yesterday.

"I don't know if he can recover, I hope he can recover for the next match but he's out now because of injury. He didn't do any practice these last few days."

Versatile Chelsea-reared defender Ola Aina has provided cover for Zaidu at the Africa Cup of Nations, with Bright Osayi-Samuel taking up the right wing-back role.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel 
 

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