The Super Eagles of Nigeria landed in Bouake, Ivory Coast, last night ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal clash against the Bafana Bafana of South Africa scheduled for tomorrow. However, there have been worrying signs from the camp of the Super Eagles after talisman Victor Osimhen failed to travel with the rest of the squad due to abdominal complications.
The striker has stayed behind in Abidjan with the medical team and will catch up with the rest of the squad today by 5 p.m. if declared fit. The news has sent panic to the hearts of Nigerians worldwide as many people consider the 2023 African Player of the Year to be an important cog in the team despite not yet performing to his menacing best in front of goal.
After leading Napoli to their first Scudetto title in over 30 years with 26 league goals in 32 appearances, many tipped the striker to go on to dominate the headlines at the AFCON tournament with a lot of goals. Still, a goal and assist from him have been well below his prolific record.
His record, however, doesn’t mean the striker has not been decisive in Nigeria’s impressive run to the semifinals so far. He scored the equalizer that earned a point against Equatorial Guinea, won the penalty against Ivory Coast, was lurking behind to pressure Opa Sangante into scoring that own goal against Guinea Bissau, and assisted Ademola Lookman for the opener against Cameroon. With his piercing run against Angola opening space for Ademola Lookman's goal, it's safe to say the striker has been involved directly or indirectly in almost every goal the Super Eagles have scored.
Super Eagles head coach José Peseiro will address the press this afternoon and will give an update on the status of the striker. Nigerians will be hoping he is fit and available for the game against South Africa at the iconic Stade de la Paix tomorrow evening.
