Angola will likely be without the services of Jéréme Bela in the quarter final game against Nigeria at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Bela who plays for French Ligue 1 side Clermont left the camp of the team two days ago to witness the birth of his son. There is no report on if he is back with the rest of the squad as at the time of this report.
According to the Angolan Football Federation (FAF), the 30-year-old player will be absent from the national team, under the orders of Pedro Gonçalves, for two working days.
So far he has played two games at the tournament both as a substitute. He is however seen as a very important member of the team due to his experience, and it will mean his absence will hurt their quality in depth against the Super Eagles of Nigeria.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman