Oghenekaro Peter Etebo was left out of Nigeria's final 28-man selection for the Africa Cup of Nations because his Premier League side Watford wants him to focus on his recovery from surgery.
The 26 year old arrived at Vicarage Road in July and made six Premier League games before suffering a thigh injury in September, which ended his promising start to life with the Hornets.
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and interim coach Austin Eguavoen had planned to select the experienced Etebo in his team, even if he was unable to feature in all Super Eagles matches.
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen, who was a doubt for the tournament after suffering a major face injury in November, has been selected after declaring himself fit to play in Cameroon.
Osimhen had operation on his cheekbone and eye socket on November 23 after suffering fractures in the 3-2 loss to Inter Milan two days earlier.
Despite not having played since his return to training wearing a protective mask, and despite Napoli's desire to keep him away from the continental championship, Nigeria expects him to play a significant part in the finals, which begin on January 9th.
"We expect Victor [Osimhen] to join up with the rest of the squad at least by 3 of January," NFF director of communications, Ademola Olajire, told BBC Sport Africa.
"It is unnecessary to react to every report in the media about our players availability or potential non-availability for the tournament.
"But the NFF is confident that our players including Osimhen understands the country's desire for a fourth continental title. It is important to have all our players show same commitment and ambitious traits as displayed by Osimhen." he concluded.