Zadok Yohanna Injured, Out of AFCON Qualifiers for Nigeria

Zadok Yohanna, a winger for Brighton & Hove Albion, is set to miss Nigeria's opening matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers due to an injury. Brighton's manager, Fabian Hurzeler, announced at a press conference that the injury would keep the 19-year-old out until after the international break, ruling out any chance of him making his debut for the Super Eagles.

Zadok was left out of Brighton's matchday squad for recent fixtures against Chelsea and Leeds United, with Hurzeler clarifying that this absence was due to health issues rather than tactical decisions. Zadok, who joined Brighton from Swedish club AIK and is a product of Ikon Allah FC's academy, had previously faced fitness setbacks that affected his international prospects.

Nigeria's coach is expected to announce the final squad soon for the first two matches of the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign, with Nigeria drawn in Group L alongside Madagascar, Tanzania, and Guinea-Bissau. The opening match is scheduled for September 23, 2026, in Uyo.