Osimhen, Two Others Absent as Nigeria Train Behind Closed Doors
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen was one of three Nigeria players who did not train with the Super Eagles on Thursday.
Head coach Éric Chelle ordered the session to be held behind closed doors as Nigeria prepare for their Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 match against Mozambique on Monday.
Osimhen, Cyriel Dessers and Ryan Alebiosu were all missing as the team continued preparations in Fes.
The coach’s decision to keep the media away shows he wants full focus from his players as the tournament reaches a crucial stage.
Dessers and Alebiosu are absent because of injuries, but Osimhen’s case is different. He is not injured and the team has released no medical report about him. His absence is believed to be part of a plan to manage his workload.
Osimhen has played a key role for Nigeria at this AFCON and has been one of their best players. He scored in the 3–2 win over Tunisia and captained the team in the 3–1 victory against Uganda. He is also one of only two players to start all three group matches.
With tougher games ahead, Chelle appears keen to rest Osimhen and keep him fresh for the knockout rounds.
Dessers’ situation is more worrying. The striker has a thigh injury and has not played at the tournament. He was due to have scans earlier in the week, but the results have not been shared. Nigeria have managed well without him, with Akor Adams and Paul Onuachu scoring goals.
Ryan Alebiosu is also likely to miss Monday’s match. The defender picked up a leg injury against Uganda. Although early fears suggested his tournament could be over, his club Blackburn Rovers have said the injury is not as serious. He could return later if Nigeria progress.
Both Dessers and Alebiosu are expected to miss the game against Mozambique.
Coach Chelle has also closed training sessions to the media on Thursday and Friday, saying he needs uninterrupted time with his players. Media access will return at the weekend.
Nigeria go into the Round of 16 as one of the tournament’s most exciting teams, having won all three group matches and scored eight goals. They will face Mozambique on Monday night in Fes, with a place in the quarter-finals at stake.
