Awoniyi, who has scored nine goals in the league, could miss up to five matches.
Former player now coach, Aliou Cisse, hopes the squad will win him the AFCON title which has eluded him for over two decades.
The Napoli striker who sustained injury while playing for his club side in November, has since undergone surgery and recovering.
Since the 2008 AFCON tournament held in Ghana, CAF has failed to list a Nigerian centre referee.
Tartaro revealed it would be difficult for the Super Eagles star to participate in the tournament as he would not be available for training for at least two months.
The sportsmen said their performance at the AFCON would help boost their chances of qualifying for the world cup.
