Nigeria could face Ivory Coast in their African Cup of Nations (ACN) semi-final without key-players Yusuf Ayila, Chidi Odiah and Nwankwo Kanu.

Super Eagles doctor Abdulkadir Muazu said that the trio’s ability to play in their side’s match against Nigeria was in doubt, given their failure to recover from different injuries.

Ukrainian club Dynamo Kiev defensive midfielder Ayila has been ruled out, after failing to recuperate from a recurrent ankle injury.

"Ayila had been playing with so much pain and it got worse in our last game. We ran some medical tests and they showed he will not be fit for the game on Tuesday. It's unfortunate but he needs to rest and not aggravate the situation," Muazu told BBC Sport on Monday.

On the other hand, Odiah who played in every game with Nigera in the African Cup, has yet to recover from a thigh complaint, while Kanu picked up an ankle injury.

"Kanu and Odiah are still having treatment and I cannot say categorically whether

they will play against Ivory Coast or not.

"These are certainly not better times for us but we'll see how we can manage the situation," Muazu added.

Nigeria will play against the Ivorians in the African Cup semi-final that will take place on Tuesday in Alexandria.