Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu believes Nigeria's absence could affect 2015 AFCON

Ghana midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu says he is surprised by Nigeria’s failure to qualify for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Super Eagles were held to a 2-2 draw at home by South Africa to miss a chance to defend their African title.

Nigeria finished third in their qualifying group and didn’t garner enough points to make next year’s finals as the best third-placed team in the entire qualifiers.

Badu, who was stand-in captain when Ghana beat Togo 3-1 on Wednesday to qualify, admits the absence of the African powerhouse could a take a bit of shine off the tournament to be staged by Equatorial Guinea.

“I am surprised by Nigeria [inability to qualify] because they are the reigning champions,” he told Africanfootabll.com.

“When you going to such tournaments without Nigeria and great players like Uche, Obi Mikel and Onazi, it is a bit of a bother.

“But who knows? Africa football has evolved and you would never know what is next.

“I am sad for them but they should still move on.”