Ahead of Nigeria's African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa, manager Gernot Rohr has been handed a lift with news that ex-Watford star Odion Ighalo is making good progress with his injured ankle.

The Changchun Yatai frontman subbed out in the 73rd minute of his team's 3-2 loss to Shanghai Shenhua on April 15 owing to that injury, but will resume full training this coming Monday.

''I have started my rehabilitation, started working in the gym and swimming pool. I will be back next weekend,'' said Ighalo to allnigeriasoccer.com.

''From Monday I can run and train with the team.''

Ighalo was among the three Chinese-based players excused from the Super Eagles last friendly against Senegal, the others being captain Obi Mikel and Tianjin Teda teammate Brown Ideye.

Rohr will name his squad for the AFCON qualifier against South Africa before the second week of May.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel