Defending champions Nigeria visit Sudan today, desperate for a first Group A win in the Africa Cup of nations qualifiers after a shock home loss to Congo and an uninspiring away draw with South Africa. Coach Stephen Keshi recalled Victor Moses only for the in-form Stoke City midfielder to withdraw because of a thigh injury.
Out-of-contract Keshi, who is continuing at the request of the sports minister, has also had to contend with an outburst from Emmanuel Emenike.
The Turkey-based striker was angered by public criticism from the coach, who claimed Emenike lacked respect for fellow Super Eagles. "I am honoured to play for Nigeria and respect the coach," said Emenike. "If he feels I will not help achieve results or harmony, he can omit me."
Cameroun have decided against recalling West Ham United midfielder Alex Song for an 'away' Group D game against Sierra Leone, who will play in Yaounde because of the Ebola epidemic.
Song has completed a three-match ban after elbowing Croatian forward Mario Mandzukic during Brazil 2014. Cameroun have put a disastrous World Cup campaign behind them with convincing victories over Congo DR and Cote d'Ivoire.
The Ivorians reacted to a 4-1 Yaounde drubbing by axing Souleymane Bamba and recalling another long-serving defender, Siaka Tiene, for the clash with Congo DR in Kinshasa.
Top-ranked Algeria play Malawi in Blantyre, and 2012 champions Zambia meet Niger in Niamey.
