Innocent Bonke has been ruled out of the opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Sierra Leone.

Bonke trained with the squad in Abuja, but couldn’t make the match day squad due to injury.

The Midfielder started Jose Peseiro’s first game against Mexico in the United States, but got injured and was substituted in the first half.

Although the extent of the injury isn’t known, there is hope he could return for the second game against Sao Tome and Principe four days later in Morocco.

Bonke made his full debut for the Super Eagles in the 2-1 win over Cape Verde in the FIFA World Cup qualifier in Mindelo last year.

He played the entire duration of the game and help the team reach the playoff where they eventually lost to Ghana.