Terem Moffi will be absent from Nigeria’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations group opening match against Equatorial Guinea.

Having recently been drafted into the Super Eagles’ squad, Moffi’s delayed arrival rules him out for the crucial opener.

The forward secured permission to represent his club, OGC Nice, as they take on Stade Rennes at Roazhan Park.

Moffi’s inclusion in the Nigerian squad came as a late call-up, filling the void left by Victor Boniface’s withdrawal due to injury.

Although Moffi will miss this initial encounter, expectations are high for his availability in the subsequent matches against Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau.

The Nigerian contingent, having touched down in Abidjan on Wednesday, has commenced their training in preparation for the upcoming clash against Equatorial Guinea.