Nigeria’s star striker, Victor Osimhen, might sit out their upcoming semi-final match against South Africa in the 2023 African Cup of Nations.
Osimhen, who plays for Napoli, was absent from the Nigerian team’s trip to Bouake, Ivory Coast, on Monday, February 5, 2024, ahead of their game against South Africa.
In a statement, the team confirmed that Osimhen stayed behind because he complained of an abdominal issue.
They added that his condition would be closely monitored to determine his availability for the game scheduled for Wednesday, February 7, 2024.
“Victor Osimhen will not join us on this trip as a result of abdominal discomfort. Team medics confirmed that he has been placed under close watch, with a member of the medical team staying behind in Abidjan with him.
“If cleared by tomorrow [Tuesday] morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5 p.m.,” a statement from the Super Eagles official account on X said.
The loss of Osimhen will be felt deeply by the Super Eagles, as the African Player of the Year has been the driving force behind Nigeria’s incisive attack during the tournament.
With his high-pressing and dynamic style of attack, Osimhen has contributed to four of Nigeria’s six goals thus far.