Nigeria journeyed to Bouake in Ivory Coast on Monday for their Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against South Africa on Wednesday, but without key forward Victor Osimhen.
In an announcement just before departure, the team stated that Osimhen was sidelined due to an abdominal issue and would remain in Abidjan pending medical clearance.
As per the statement, “Victor Osimhen will not join us on this trip as a result of an abdominal discomfort. 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 the tomorrow [Tuesday] morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5pm.”
The exact nature of his discomfort remains unclear, although he appeared fatigued when substituted late in the quarterfinal victory over Angola.
The absence of the reigning African Player of the Year would significantly impact Nigeria, whose offensive strategies heavily rely on his pressing and dynamic play. He has contributed to four of Nigeria’s six goals in the tournament, including scoring in their opening 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea.
Should Osimhen fail to recover in time, coach Jose Peseiro has alternatives in for the upcoming AFCON match. Leicester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho, Trabzonspor’s Paul Onuachu, and Terem Moffi from OGC Nice.
Thus far, Onuachu has been the primary substitute for Osimhen, while Iheanacho and Moffi have yet to see action in the tournament.
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