Fresh issues over Osimhen availability for AFCON as he returns to Nigeria

The coast is not clear as fresh issues are reported in Italy as reasons why Victor Osimhen might not play for Nigeria at the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon.

Victor Osimhen who was Nigeria’s top scorer for the qualifiers and Eagles hopes for goals was involved in a nasty incident in November when Napoli played Inter Milan.

The Nigerian suffered a facial injury after his collision with Inter’s Milan Škriniar but he has soon returned to training two months earlier than his predicted date.

Victor Osimhen immediately declared himself ready for the tournament on his return a decision which has not only angered his club managements but also their lawyer.

Mattia Grassani Napoli lawyer threatened to take legal actions against nations who call their players for AFCON.

But Osimhen is adamant on leading Nigeria to the fourth AFCON glory and he is willing to honour the invitation given him by new Super Eagles coach Augustine Eguavoen.

According to gazzetta, Victor Osimhen is back in Nigeria for his Christmas holiday and plans to honour the Super Eagles invitation for AFCON.

But this could be risky and would be frowned at by his club who needs to clear him fit for the tournament.

“The striker returned home for the break, on Wednesday,” write gazzetta.

“The Nigeria rally for the Africa Cup of Nations but for the green light he must pass the checks after the surgery on the cheekbone and eye socket.

“Victor Osimhen’s desire to be on the field in the Africa Cup will have to pass through the check-up scheduled for Friday 31 December in Naples.

“A question of safety towards the full recovery of the blue attacker. But also in strict compliance with the FIFA protocol which requires an assessment visit.

“Moving on from finding a CT scan, the surgeon, Professor Giampaolo Tartaro, needs the ok, who on November 23 operated Osimhen on his face for multiple fractures reported in the away match against Inter two days earlier.

“On that occasion, the course of wound healing will also be examined. After the surgery carried out in Naples at the Ruesch clinic in Naples, a prognosis of 90 days was indicated.

“Meanwhile, Osimhen has returned to Lagos to spend Christmas with his family. The Nigeria rally is scheduled for Wednesday.

“At this point the attacker could also respond, albeit only formally, to the summons of the coach Eguavoen, but it would be a hasty step as well as in many ways inappropriate.

“In any case, two days later he is expected in Naples to have an answer on his condition between the response of the surgeon who operated on him and the results of the related instrumental tests.

“The attacker’s enthusiasm has risen in the last week, also considering the comforting results resulting from the resumption of training with a protective mask.

“The African Cup has long been on his agenda. Except that a little over a month after the surgery it is difficult to hypothesize that Osimhen may be in the conditions to face a match with the consequent risks, especially in the face of a situation not yet normalized like his.

“It is clear that after the visit by Professor Tartaro, Nigeria will also be able to have a more complete picture of the player’s conditions. Also considering the possibility of waiting a few weeks before considering Osimhen’s inclusion in the African Cup of Nations.

“To use it like this starting from any semifinals. But also Napoli is obviously waiting. To get back the bomber with which he managed to climb to the top of the standings maybe before the 90 days fixed by the diagnosis. especially in the face of a situation not yet normalized like yours.”