As per reports from Standard, Victor Osimhen’s availability for Nigeria’s Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa is in doubt due to abdominal discomfort, leading to the striker being unable to travel with the squad.
Nigeria Affirms Osimhen’s Injury Concerns Ahead Of AFCON Semi-final
In the midst of surprising exits of notable teams in the tournament, the Super Eagles are now seen as frontrunners to secure the trophy in their upcoming semi-final clash on Wednesday.
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While the rest of the Nigeria squad headed to Bouake on Monday, Osimhen remained in Abidjan due to abdominal discomfort, accompanied by a member of the medical staff. Whether he will be fit to rejoin his teammates before the AFCON showdown with South Africa remains uncertain.
A statement from the Super Eagles on Monday stated, “Osimhen did not, however, make the 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 morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5 pm.”
Osimhen, the Napoli striker, was carried off on a stretcher during the quarter-final victory over Angola. Despite featuring in all five of Nigeria’s matches in the tournament, he has not scored since the opening match against Equatorial Guinea.
The Super Eagles, aiming for their fourth AFCON title, last claimed victory in 2013. Since then, they have faced challenges, including non-qualification and a last-16 defeat to Tunisia two years ago. A win against South Africa on Wednesday would set up a final against either hosts Ivory Coast or DR Congo on Sunday.