Osimhen Napoli return date revealed after 2023 AFCON participation
Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen is poised to make his return to Naples after representing his country at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, where Nigeria finished as runners-up.
Despite Nigeria’s strong start and Osimhen’s contributions throughout the tournament, including a lead in the final match against hosts Ivory Coast, the Super Eagles ultimately fell short, suffering a 2-1 defeat in a tense showdown in Abidjan.
Osimhen, a pivotal figure for Napoli, is expected to make his way back to Italy between Friday, February 16th, and Saturday, February 17th, according to multiple reports.
The timing of Osimhen’s return coincides with Napoli’s upcoming Serie A fixture against Genoa on Saturday afternoon. However, the tight turnaround raises doubts about his immediate involvement in the match, especially if he arrives in Italy on the same day.
While concerns about Osimhen’s fitness surfaced during the AFCON, particularly after a slight injury scare in the quarter-finals, recent reports have indicated no new issues regarding his physical condition. This news will come as a relief to Napoli fans and management alike as they eagerly anticipate his return.
Looking ahead of the Barcelona clash, Napoli’s coach Walter Mazzarri may opt to reintegrate Osimhen into the squad for the upcoming Champions League clash against Barcelona next Wednesday. This strategic decision would afford Osimhen additional time to recover from his international commitments and acclimate back to club football, potentially making a significant impact in a crucial match for Napoli.
Victor Osimhen’s return to Napoli is eagerly awaited following his AFCON campaign with Nigeria. While his participation in the immediate Serie A fixture against Genoa remains uncertain, the prospect of seeing him back on the pitch, particularly for the high-stakes encounter against Barcelona, is a source of excitement for Napoli supporters.
As Osimhen prepares to resume his club duties, all eyes will be on how his presence will bolster Napoli’s aspirations both domestically and in Europe, as they seek to maintain their momentum and achieve success on multiple fronts.
