Nigeria are facing a nervous wait to see if striker Victor Osimhen will be fit for tomorrow night’s African Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa.
The Napoli star has an abdominal issue and remained in Abidjan while the rest of the squad flew to Bouake ahead of the game against Bafana Bafana.
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It is hoped Osimhen, who has been involved in four of Nigeria’s six goals in the tournament, will be fit to travel later today.
A Nigeria statement read: “Victor Osimhen will not join us on this trip as a result of an 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 the tomorrow [Tuesday] morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5pm.”
Members of the team traveled from Abidjan to Bouaké today via a 10pm Air Cote D’Ivoire flight. Osimhen did not however make the trip as a result of an abdominal discomfort. Team medics confirmed that he has been placed under close watch with a member of the medical team staying… pic.twitter.com/G39LqaKcVA
— ???????? Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) February 5, 2024
Osimhen is the current African Player of the Year and his absence would be a major blow for Nigeria. If he does miss out, it could mean Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho is drafted into the starting XI.
