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Nigeria's preparations for January's African Cup of Nations have suffered a blow after both Nwankwo Kanu and John Utaka sustained injuries against Manchester City at the weekend.

The strikers, both of whom ply their trade for Portsmouth in the English Premiership, will remain at Fratton Park to recuperate in time for the resumption of league duty in two weeks' time.

Pompey boss Harry Redknapp said, "Kanu has got a hamstring and Utaka has got a groin strain, so they won't go away this week.

"They will stay here for the next two weeks and have treatment.

"They are supposed to be playing for Nigeria but there is no chance of them leaving here now.

"They are here and hopefully will have a chance of being fit for our next game."

Kanu, 31, is one of the Super Eagles' most iconic players, having won a Gold Medal with the Nigerian Olympic squad at the Atlanta games of 1996.

Utaka, who arrived at Portsmouth from Rennes in summer, is six years Kanu's junior. He has scored three goals this season to the former Arsenal star's four.

source:goal.com