Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-06 20:20:16
Super Eagles’ forward, Victor Osimhen, has been given the green light to take the field in the upcoming match against South Africa on Wednesday. This announcement comes after Osimhen was a major doubt for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinal against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
The CAF Player of the Year had stayed behind with a member of the Eagles medical team at the Pullman Hotel in Abidjan while the rest of the team departed for Bouake on Monday night. He also did not take part in the team’s last training session in Abidjan. An official statement from the Super Eagles Media Officer, Babafemi Raji, on Monday had indicated that Osimhen was suffering from an abdominal discomfort, and that team medics had him under close watch with a member of the medical team staying behind in Abidjan with him. It was stated that if cleared by Tuesday morning, Osimhen would join the rest of the squad before 5 p.m.
On Tuesday, Raji confirmed to NAN that Osimhen had joined the rest of the Super Eagles squad for training in the Northern Ivorian town of Bouake. “Osimhen is fine and he is good to start against South Africa tomorrow. He has only on Tuesday evening been cleared to feature in the big game. He was part of the team’s training at the Stade Annexe, Bouake on Tuesday evening. Team medics performed their final tests and took the decision that he is available for the encounter after the striker arrived at the purpose-built Games Village on Tuesday afternoon,” he said.
Osimhen, who has been a key player for Nigeria throughout the tournament, has only scored one goal so far. However, his tireless performances have played a large role in Nigeria getting to the semifinals for a record-equalling 16th time in its 20 appearances. Only seven-time champion Egypt has played as many semifinals, though the Pharaohs have participated in 26 tournaments. Wednesday’s game against the Bafana Bafana is a repeat of the semifinal in 2000, when Nigeria won 2-0 in Lagos. Nigeria won the last of its three titles in 2013, while South Africa’s only win came in 1996. Hosts country Cote d`Ivoire will play Congo in the other semifinal.
In conclusion, Victor Osimhen’s availability provides a boost for the Super Eagles as they prepare to face South Africa in the AFCON semifinal. With his exceptional performances throughout the tournament, his presence on the field will undoubtedly strengthen the team’s chances of victory.
