Simon Adingra is a surprise omission from the Ivory Coast squad for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations, meaning he will remain with Sunderland.
In 2023, Adingra was a key member of the Ivorian squad that lifted the Africa Cup of Nations title.
He was named the Man of the Match as Ivory Coast beat Nigeria 2-1 in the final, playing the full 90 minutes of the game that saw his nation crowned African champions.
Adingra was involved in the Ivorian squad throughout the qualifying campaign for this year’s AFCON, which begins in Morocco later this month, and it had been anticipated that he would be selected in the squad for the finals.
He played in both matches in Ivory Coast’s World Cup qualifying double-header in October, scoring in a 7-0 thrashing of the Seychelles.
However, the winger was surprisingly left out of the squad list that was published today after a tough start to the season that has seen him struggle to establish himself in the Sunderland side following his summer move from Brighton.
Adingra’s last Sunderland start came back at the start of October, when he was substituted during the first half of his side’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United.
His omission from the AFCON squad means he will remain on Wearside for the duration of the tournament, which runs from late December to mid-January.
His presence is an unexpected boost to Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris, who is set to be without six other players due to their participation at AFCON.
Reinildo Mandava, Arthur Masuaku, Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traore and Chemsdine Talbi are all set to leave England to join up with their respective squads after Sunday’s Wear-Tyne derby with Newcastle United.
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