Six months out: Super Eagles hopeful to miss Nigeria’s crucial Afcon qualifier v Sierra Leone

Born in Germany and raised in the Netherlands, the 27-year-old is keen on representing the three-time African champions

Super Eagles hopeful, Kingsley Ehizibue, is set to miss Nigeria's crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Sierra Leone due to a knee injury, Soccernet.ng reports.

As per Tutto Udinese, the Udinese full-back has underwent surgery for the ligament reconstruction of his right knee and has begun his rehabilitation program.

Following the successful surgery, Ehizibue started his rehabilitation therapies at the Top Physio Balduina gym at Villa Stuart. He has since returned to Udine and will continue his recovery at the Bruseschi sports centre.

The estimated recovery time for his complete rehabilitation is around six months, ruling him out of the upcoming AFCON qualifier.

Ehizibue, who has expressed his desire to represent the Nigerian national team, previously received an invitation to the Super Eagles camp in 2020 but was unable to participate due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

After impressing with Udinese, he has set his sights on earning a place in the squad under the current head coach, Jose Peseiro.

Unfortunately, Ehizibue's injury and surgery means he will not be available for Nigeria's crucial AFCON qualifier against Sierra Leone on June 18.

A victory in the match for Super Eagles will secure Nigeria's place in the AFCON tournament scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast next year.