Nigeria’s national football team has confirmed that Victor Osimhen is facing an injury ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match against South Africa. Osimhen, a key striker for the Super Eagles, experienced abdominal discomfort which prevented him from traveling with the squad to Bouaké. The team’s medical staff has been closely monitoring his condition in Abidjan, and it is uncertain whether he will be fit to join his teammates for the crucial AFCON showdown.
The team released a statement on Monday explaining the situation, stating that while the rest of the squad had departed for Bouaké, Osimhen remained behind due to his injury. The medical team is keeping a close eye on his condition, and if he receives clearance, he may join the squad before the upcoming match.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding Osimhen’s injury, the Nigeria squad has received some positive news, as he was given the green light to link up with the team. However, the exact nature and severity of his injury remain unclear. The Napoli striker was sidelined during the quarter-final victory over Angola and has been an integral part of Nigeria’s performance in the tournament, despite not scoring since the opening match against Equatorial Guinea.
Nigeria is aiming to clinch their fourth AFCON title, with the last victory dating back to 2013. The team’s journey in recent tournaments has been marked by challenges, including failing to qualify in some instances and being eliminated in the last-16 in others. Therefore, the upcoming semi-final match against South Africa holds significant importance for the Super Eagles, as it offers them a chance to secure a spot in the final match.
If Nigeria emerges victorious against South Africa, they will advance to the final and potentially face either Ivory Coast or DR Congo. The outcome of the semi-final match will greatly impact the Super Eagles’ pursuit of reclaiming AFCON glory.
