Osimhen cleared to join Nigeria’s squad in Bouaké following injury scare

Victor Osimhen has been cleared by the Super Eagles’ medical team to join the rest of the squad in Bouaké, ahead of Nigeria’s semi-final clash against South Africa tomorrow.

The 2023 African Player of the Year was in doubt for tomorrow’s encounter following the statement released by the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) yesterday night that he’d been left at Abidjan due to abdominal discomfort.

“Members of the team travelled from Abidjan to Bouaké today via a 10 pm Air Côte d’Ivoire flight. Osimhen did not however make the trip as a result of abdominal discomfort,” the statement from the NFF read, as reported by The Athletic.  

“Team medics confirmed that he has been placed under close watch with a member of the medical team staying behind in Abidjan with him. If cleared by tomorrow morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5 pm.”

However, the latest reports from Côte d’Ivoire claim Victor Osimhen is now en route to Bouaké, although it remains to be seen, if he’ll pass the final match-day assessment test.

CONFIRMED!!!

Victor Osimhen is enroute Bouake to meet up with the team after he was CLEARED by the Doctors. ✌️#PoojaXAFCON2023

— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) February 6, 2024

Jose Peseiro on Osimhen

During his press conference this afternoon, Jose Peseiro was asked about the possibility of Osimhen featuring in tomorrow’s game, and the Portuguese said he’ll have to wait for further assessment.

🚨Jose Peseiro says he will know by afternoon if Victor Osimhen can play against South Africa.

Sources however informed that the striker is travelling today to join the team in Bouaké. #AFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/vj5Yhj4yu9

— MikeThePundit (@Mike_ThePundit) February 6, 2024

Nigeria’s striking options

In the case of Victor Osimhen’s absence tomorrow, Paul Onuachu, Kelechi Iheanacho and Terem Moffi are fully fit to lead the three-time African champions’ attack, should Peseiro require their services.

Bar Osimhen, only Onauchu has featured (4 times) in Côte d’Ivoire 2023 so far, and the ex-Genk marksman came on as a substitute in all appearances