AFCON 2021: Napoli to stop Victor Osimhen from representing Nigeria

Napoli is set to stop striker, Victor Osimhen from representing Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Cameroon to allow his collar bone injury to heal properly.

The 2021 AFCON begins on January 9 and ends on February 6, 2022.

According to Football Italia, Osimhen spent the Christmas break in Nigeria, but he’s expected to return to Naples on Friday for a medical check after a cheekbone surgery he underwent at the end of November.

The report added that the 23-year-old may not be allowed to play against Juventus on January 6 and even in the AFCON, adding that “it will be Nigeria’s responsibility to consider the player available for the tournament in Cameroon.”

Osimhen’s hope of playing in Nigeria’s opening AFCON clash against Egypt on January 11 is hanging in the balance as his club’s doctor has said he is not yet fit for action.

Napoli ruled Osimhen out of action for three months, but the former Lille star said last week that he would be available to play for Nigeria at AFCON.

Nigeria’s training retreat starts today and it is still unclear whether or not Osimhen will join his Super Eagles’ teammates for the first training session before the tournament starts.

Osimhen’s upcoming medical check-in Naples is crucial to assess his injury Gianpaolo Tartaro, the doctor who performed his surgery last month, said, “It takes from 60 to 90 days for the bone callus formation unless there is a biological Christmas miracle.”