Noah Bazee is unlikely to make his competitive debut for the Super Eagles in their African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa in June.

Sportbuzzer has reported that Bazee is not suffering from an initially suspected mucus inflammation in the knee, but Hoffa-Kastert syndrome, and an operation has not been ruled out in the coming weeks.

Hannover coach Andre Breitenreiter confirmed as much at the press conference ahead of Saturday's game versus Erzgebirge Aue, stating that the young striker has been placed on the long-term injury list.

The news will come as a big blow to Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr as he has not hidden the fact that he plans to monitor him at close quarters during the national team's get-together in Corsica, before a potential competitive debut against Bafana Bafana.

Bazee, 20, has been inactive for Hannover since March 18 when he lasted 23 minutes on the pitch against FC St. Pauli.

He resumed training just before the Easter holidays but had to reduce the workouts with the team in the past few days.

Igho Kingsley