Nigeria star 'collapses in training' ahead of Africa Cup of Nations opener

Nigeria striker Samuel Kalu (right) reportedly collapsed in training ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations [Courtesy]

Nigeria striker Samuel Kalu reportedly collapsed in training ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Kalu, 21, plays his club football with Bordeaux and is with the Super Eagles in Egypt.

The striker trained with his teammates on Friday ahead of their opening clash against Burundi on Saturday.

Kalu is said to have collapsed while taking a corner in training as he was immediately attended to by medical staff.

He was then immediately taken to a nearby hospital for tests.

Reports that Kalu suffered a heart attack are believed to be untrue with the youngster found to have been dehydrated and urged to take more fluids on board, reports Goal France.

Kalu is now in a stable condition and is still believed to be in contention to play against Burundi this weekend.

Ademola Olajire, a spokesperson for the Nigerian Football Federation, said: "I was told that Samuel Kalu is in a stable condition.

"He was taken to the hospital for tests and now he's fine. He was dehydrated."

Kalu made his senior debut with Slovak side AS Trencin before joining Gent, where he spent 18 months.

Kalu joined Bordeaux last summer and scored three times in his debut campaign, which also saw him earn his first international call-up.

Earlier this year, Kalu's mother was kidnapped by gunmen as she travelled home in Abia.

Ozuruonye Juliet was released six days later although it remains unclear if a reported ransom was paid.