Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-02-07 04:12:51
The Super Eagles received good news yesterday as the team’s doctors confirmed that Victor Osimhen, the African Footballer of the Year, is fit to play in Nigeria’s semifinal match against South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations. Osimhen’s fitness was previously in doubt due to an abdominal discomfort, but the announcement of his clearance to play brought relief to the Super Eagles’ camp.
The match against South Africa will be a repeat of the encounter at the National Stadium in Lagos during the 2000 Africa Cup of Nations, which Nigeria co-hosted with Ghana. However, Osimhen’s availability for the game was in question after reports emerged of his abdominal discomfort. This led to uncertainty in the Super Eagles’ camp, with suggestions that he might be replaced by either Paul Onuachu or Moffi Terem if deemed unfit to play.
Contrary to earlier reports on some websites, it was clarified that Osimhen’s clearance to play would be determined upon his arrival in Bouaké, where he would undergo another assessment by the team’s medical staff. Nonetheless, the Nigeria Football Federation’s Director of Media, Ademola Olajire, confirmed Osimhen’s availability for the game, putting all doubts to rest.
During this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, Kelechi Iheanacho and Joe Aribo have sustained injuries and are unlikely to recover in time for the upcoming match. After holding their official training at the Stade Annexe, Bouaké, the Super Eagles are preparing to face South Africa in the semifinal clash, with the media permitted to watch the first 15 minutes of the session.
Ahead of the highly anticipated game, South Africa has only beaten Nigeria twice in their 14 previous meetings. Both teams are set to engage in a potentially explosive encounter, given their rivalry, pedigree, and ambition. The previous meeting at the semifinal stage occurred at the National Stadium in Lagos in 2000, with Nigeria emerging victorious with a 2-0 scoreline.
The match is expected to be fiercely contested, with both teams seeking to secure a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations final. The Super Eagles are currently ranked 42nd in the FIFA world rankings, while the Bafana Bafana are placed at 66th. Their most recent encounter at the quarterfinal stage four years ago resulted in a 2-1 victory for Nigeria.
As the excitement builds, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Egyptian official Amin Mohamed Omar as the referee for the match. The encounter is anticipated to be a thrilling and closely contested affair between the two footballing powerhouses.
Overall, Osimhen’s availability for the match against South Africa has brought relief to the Super Eagles, and the team is now focused on delivering a strong performance to secure a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations final. With the stage set for an electrifying encounter, both teams are eager to showcase their talents and claim victory.
