Concerns arise over the availability of Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final against South Africa, as he fails to accompany the rest of the squad from Abidjan to Bouake.
Nigeria is set to face South Africa in the first semi-final of the competition on Wednesday in Bouake, vying for a spot in Sunday’s final.
The Super Eagles media team released a statement indicating that Osimhen will be under observation in Abidjan while the remainder of the squad proceeds to Bouake for the crucial match.
The official statement on Monday night reads, “We will fly from Abidjan to Bouaké today via a 10pm Air Cote d’Ivoire flight. Victor Osimhen will not join us on this trip as a result of an abdominal discomfort.
It further explains, “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 p.m.”
Osimhen, who has featured in all five of the Super Eagles’ matches in Cote d’Ivoire, contributing with one goal and one assist, remains a key player for Nigeria, and his potential absence adds an element of uncertainty to the team’s lineup for the crucial semi-final encounter.
