Prior to their Africa Cup of Nations semifinal matchup with South Africa on Wednesday, Nigeria is gravely concerned about the health of African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen.
The Super Eagles forward reported for stomach trouble on Monday, missing the team’s travel from Abidjan to Bouake.
The 25-year-old, who has made 32 appearances for his country, had previously supported his team throughout the competition. He has scored 21 goals.
Nigeria posted on social networking site X on Tuesday, saying, “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 [Wednesday] morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5pm.”
Osimhen, who led Serie A scoring for champions Napoli the previous season, has only scored once in five tournament games thus far.
However, following the 2-0 round of 16 victory over Cameroon, head coach Jose Peseiro commended his effort rate and performance, calling them “fantastic.”
Peseiro went on to say that the striker’s production off the ball is equally as high as his ability to score goals.
“He is a good example, but everyone has to play to win a match,” the coach remarked.
Nigeria has advanced to the semifinals of their 20th AFCON tournament 16 times, tying a record.
Even though the Pharaohs have participated in 26 tournaments, only Egypt, the seven-time champion, has made as many semifinal appearances.
The matchup between Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday is a rematch of the 2000 semifinal in Lagos, which Nigeria won 2-0.
