Nigeria have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations following the unavailability of attacker Taiwo Awoniyi because of a groin injury.
Nottingham Forest manager Steve Cooper has confirmed that Taiwo Awoniyi will be out of action for months after undergoing a surgery.
The 26-year-old aggravated the problem playing for Nigeria during the international break and has had an operation on the issue.
Awoniyi has scored four goals in 10 Premier League appearances for Forest this season.
"We'll definitely see him again this season, but it's groin surgery so it will take a little while," said Cooper.
Former Liverpool forward Awoniyi is a key player for the City Ground side, scoring 10 league goals to help Forest achieve top-flight survival last season.
"It's bad news on Taiwo, he's had to have surgery and he is going to be out for months," added Cooper.
"We'll support him and try to get him back as quick and as fit as he can be, but it's a really unfortunate situation and a blow for him.
"He's become an important player for us with the goals he's scored. He's such a good guy and a good professional who is desperate to do well, so to get an injury like this is harsh on him.
"We've got to support him through the process of coming back stronger."
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been housed in Group A of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations alongside host nation, Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.
The tournament is scheduled to be held in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
