New Telegraph

Osimhen to miss AFCON group stage

Super Eagles forward Victor Osimhen has declared himself available for selection ahead of the forthcoming African Cup of Nations, but reports have suggested the player may miss the group stage of the competition due to his recovery from an injury. Osimhen finally killed off all speculations as concerns his availability for next month’s AFCON by announcing Tuesday that he will be at the tournament.

The Napoli striker recently underwent surgery for facial fractures and the initial diagnosis was that he will be out of action for three months. “I will be available for AFCON unless if am not among the players picked to represent Nigeria,” Osimhen tweeted on his verified handle today. This news is a massive boost for Nigeria’s hopes of winning a fourth continental title eight years after their last triumph in South Africa.

However, reports from Italy suggested that it will take about a month for the player to fully regain his fitness and that will effectively rule him out of the group stage of AFCON if he is eventually selected. Super Eagles caretaker coach Austin Eguavoen has already spoken to Osimhen to check up on his health. However, his Italian club have been reluctant to release him for the AFCON as they aim to push for the Serie A Scudetto next month with Osimhen leading their attack. Meanwhile, the striker received a protective mask that will allow him to resume full training. Osimhen was the leading scorer for Nigeria in the AFCON qualifiers with five goals.

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