SAINTS players Joe Aribo and Kamaldeen Sulemana have been named in Nigeria and Ghana's provisional squads for next month's Africa Cup of Nations.

The tournament is set to take place between January 13 and February 11, meaning the duo could miss up to five games should they receive a call up.

Aribo, who is a regular international for the Super Eagles, has been selected in their 40-man provisional squad.

Manager José Peseiro has also selected former Saints winger Nathan Tella and loaned out forward Paul Onuachu in his list.

Nigeria have been drawn in Group A alongside Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and tournament hosts Ivory Coast.

The Super Eagles are among the favourites to win the tournament, in large part due to their long list of formidable forwards, including Napoli's Victor Osimhen.

Aribo has started to establish himself in the Southampton side in recent weeks having started the last three games.

Kamaldeen has been included in Ghana's 55-man provisional squad by manager Chris Hughton.

The 21 year old is currently out injured with manager Russell Martin suggesting he could be set for the sidelines until "mid to late January."

Martin said: "Kamaldeen felt his hamstring, he’ll have a similar timeline to Ross (Stewart). Two big losses but when someone gets injured it’s an opportunity for someone else.

"They’ll get everyone’s best care and attention. We’ve been really clear about January, what we need and what we want.

"We didn’t envisage those two getting injured, so it might change the plan a little bit.

"It depends on their progress and the results between now and then. People will have the chance to step up now to take the opportunities. Everyone else has to be ready."

Kamaldeen was called up by Ghana during the last international window before withdrawing and being replaced by Leicester's Abdul Fatawu Issahaku.

Ghana have been drawn in Group B alongside Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique.

Kamaldeen has featured 13 times so far this season for Saints and has provided three assists.