Zadok Yohanna Sidelined for Nigeria Ahead of AFCON Qualifiers

Brighton & Hove Albion prospect Zadok Yohanna is set to miss out on representing Nigeria’s national team in the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers due to ongoing fitness recovery.

The young talent is focusing on rebuilding his conditioning and physical strength during training sessions. His absence follows what Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler characterized as a minor fitness issue, prompting the English club to manage his workload with caution.

Recovery Timeline and Squad Selection

Earlier in the campaign, Yohanna had been integrated into the senior setup, featuring as a substitute during pre-season preparations and in a Premier League match against Aston Villa. He also earned game time in two UEFA Conference League encounters against Tromsø.

With Brighton adopting a patient approach to his physical rehabilitation, academy player Miah Oriola was called up to the matchday squad instead, taking a place among the substitutes for recent league fixtures against Chelsea and Leeds United.

Yohanna is reportedly not scheduled to return to competitive match action until Brighton take on Sunderland following the international break. This timetable effectively rules him out of contention for the Super Eagles ahead of their upcoming continental qualifiers.

Source: NotJustOk