Nigeria is keeping a close eye on the fitness of star striker Victor Osimhen, who missed the team’s trip owing to suspected “abdominal discomfort”.
What happened?
The Napoli talisman started all five Africa Cup of Nations matches for the Super Eagles, scoring and assisting once, but was stretchered off in stoppage time of their 1-0 quarter-final victory over Angola. According to The Athletic, a statement from Nigeria has now revealed that Osimhen missed the team’s travel to Bouake on Monday due to “abdominal discomfort” and will be checked again on Tuesday before a decision is made. Nigeria will meet South Africa in the first semi-final on Wednesday evening.
WHAT WAS SAID:
The statement read: “Team members flew from Abidjan to Bouake today at 10 p.m. on an Air Cote d’Ivoire flight.” Osimhen, however, did not make the trip due to gastrointestinal problems. Team physicians verified that he has been placed under careful observation, with a member of the medical team remaining in Abidjan with him. If cleared by tomorrow morning, he will rejoin the rest of the squad before 5 p.m.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Despite not being in the form that accompanied Napoli’s Scudetto-winning run last season, Osimhen remains an important part of Nigeria’s squad. The 25-year-old has 27 international caps and extensive experience on both the Italian and European arenas. His absence would be regretted greatly, but the Super Eagles could rely on players such as Ademola Lookman. The Atalanta attacker has now scored three goals and assisted once in Cote d’Ivoire.
DID YOU KNOW?
Nigeria have won AFCON three times in their history and last tasted continental glory in 2013, when they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.
What’s next for Nigeria?
Nigeria is now 42nd in the FIFA standings, 24 places ahead of Wednesday’s opponents South Africa. They will be quietly confident of reaching their first AFCON final in 11 years, but will be dealt a setback if Osimhen is not found fit to play.
