Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has recovered from his abdominal discomfort and will be available for the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday, PRIMANEWS Sports Extra reports.
The 25-year-old rejoined the team and took part in the training session on Tuesday evening, a clear indication that Jose Peseiro can count on the Napoli star for their highly-anticipated clash against the Bafana Bafana at the Stade de la Paix in Bouaké today.
Osimhen did not travel with his teammates to the Ivorian city of Bouake on Monday after feeling some stomach pains, staying in Abidjan with some of the national team’s medical staff, prompting fears that he could miss the crucial semi-final clash.
His return to training is a huge boost for fans who have expressed major concerns over the fitness of African Footballer of the Year.
Osimhen has played almost every minute for Nigeria in their 2024 AFCON campaign, scoring once and providing two assists in their run to the semi-final.
Osimhen, who was the leading scorer in Serie A last season with champions Napoli, has scored only once in five matches so far at the tournament.
It is Nigeria’s record-equalling 16th semi-final appearance in their 20th AFCON tournament.
Only seven-time champion Egypt has played as many semifinals although the Pharaohs have played in 26 tournaments.
Today’s game against the Bafana Bafana is a repeat of the semi-finals in 2000 when Nigeria won 2-0 in Lagos.
Nigeria won the last of its three titles in 2013 while South Africa’s only win came in 1996.
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