The standout player from Napoli has been a constant presence in all of the Super Eagles’ five Africa Cup of Nations matches, managing one goal and one assist. However, his involvement took a worrying turn during their tense 1-0 victory over Angola in the quarter-finals when he was carried off on a stretcher during stoppage time. A recent announcement from Nigeria sheds light on the situation, revealing that Osimhen missed the team’s flight to Bouake on Monday due to “abdominal discomfort.” The statement, as reported by The Athletic, indicates that he will undergo further evaluation on Tuesday before a final decision is reached. Nigeria is scheduled to take on South Africa in the first semi-final on Wednesday evening.
According to the statement released, members of the team departed from Abidjan to Bouake on a 10pm Air Cote D’Ivoire flight, yet Osimhen was unable to join them due to his abdominal discomfort. Team medics have confirmed that he is under close observation, with a member of the medical staff staying with him in Abidjan. If his condition improves by tomorrow morning, he will rejoin the squad before 5pm.
Although Osimhen hasn’t quite replicated the scintillating form that characterized Napoli’s Serie A title-winning campaign last season, he remains a crucial figure in Nigeria’s lineup. With 27 international appearances under his belt and significant experience in Italian and European football, his potential absence would be keenly felt. However, the Super Eagles can still rely on talents like Ademola Lookman to fill the void. Lookman, who plays for Atalanta, has been in superb form in Cote d’Ivoire, contributing three goals and an assist in the tournament so far.
Nigeria boasts a rich history in the AFCON, having clinched the title three times, with their most recent triumph occurring in 2013 against Burkina Faso in a 1-0 final victory.
Ranked 42nd in the FIFA standings, Nigeria sits comfortably 24 spots ahead of South Africa, their opponents for Wednesday’s clash. While they may approach the semi-final with cautious optimism, the absence of Osimhen would undoubtedly be a significant setback for their aspirations of reaching their first AFCON final in 11 years.
Victor Osimhen
Victor James Osimhen
This season he played in total 13 times for 995 minutes for Serie A.
Victor Osimhen scored 7 goals for Napoli. He procured two assists. He received 3 yellow cards and 1 red card.
His team is currently 7th in Serie A. In the last match Napoli won 2-1 against Hellas Verona.
Napoli performance and stats
Napoli is currently 7th in the Serie A with 35 points.
In the last 22 games, it has won 10 times, drawn 5 times, and lost 7 times. In its last match, Napoli won 2-1 against Hellas Verona.
It has a positive goal difference after scoring 32 goals and conceding 26.