If Nigeria are going to hold onto their 1-0 lead in the Africa Cup of Nations final, they're going to have to do it without the most experienced of the defenders in their starting lineup. Fullback Elderson Echiéjilé, who has been rock solid defensively both throughout the tournament and on Sunday against Burkina Faso, has been taken off injured in the 67th minute.
Elderson Echiéjilé injured, off for Nigeria
Echiéjilé picked up his knock a few minutes before being substituted, and it wasn’t immediately apparent how he picked up his injury. He had to leave by way of a stretcher and was replaced by Juwon Oshaniwa, who has not played in the tournament up to this point. He’s one of the domestically-based players in the Nigeria squad and lacks Echiéjilé‘s big game experience, but has played 17 times for his country. The domestically-based players in the Super Eagles team have more than held their own in this tournament; goal-scorer Sunday Mba plays for Warri Wolves and has been spectacular all tournament long.
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