Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-06 16:40:51
Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen, is expected to take on South Africa in one of the semi-final matches of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Wednesday, despite concerns about his fitness.
Initially, it seemed that Osimhen would not be able to play against the Bafana Bafana after missing the Super Eagles’ journey to Bouake on Monday night due to abdominal discomfort. A statement on the Super Eagles’ social media accounts revealed that the rest of the team had traveled from Abidjan to Bouake on a late-night flight, but Osimhen did not accompany them. The statement also confirmed that the team’s medical staff would closely monitor the striker, with one member staying behind in Abidjan with him. If Osimhen was cleared by Tuesday morning, he would join the rest of the squad before 5 pm on the same day.
Several Nigerian journalists covering the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast later confirmed that Osimhen had been given the go-ahead to rejoin his teammates in Bouake. “Victor Osimhen is on his way to join the Super Eagles team in Bouake, Ivory Coast,” the Nigerian reporters posted. “He has been cleared by the medical team and is fully fit and ready to play in the semi-finals against South Africa.”
Despite his lack of scoring success in the 2023 AFCON, with only one goal in the Super Eagles’ group A opener against Equatorial Guinea, Osimhen has proven to be a valuable asset for Nigeria’s attack. He will be looking to add to his goal tally against South Africa at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Wednesday.
Osimhen’s potential return to the lineup will be a much-needed boost for the Super Eagles as they face off against a tough South African squad in the semi-final match. His presence will likely bolster the team’s chances of securing a spot in the finals of the tournament.
With Osimhen cleared to play, the Super Eagles will be looking to capitalize on his offensive prowess and secure a victory over South Africa. The team’s fans will be hopeful that Osimhen’s return will provide the spark needed to propel Nigeria to the final stage of the 2023 AFCON. Overall, Osimhen’s availability for the upcoming match against South Africa is a positive development for the Super Eagles and their aspirations of lifting the AFCON trophy.
