Concerns mount over Osimhen’s health ahead of Nigeria, South Africa clash
Nigeria is expected to take on her old-time rival South Africa as the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 progresses to the semi-final stage.
The presence of Victor Osimhen in the team for the match is currently doubtful as he suffers abdominal pain.
The Super Eagles handlers, on the team’s official X handle, said that other team members had traveled from Abidjan to Bouaké on Monday night, but without Osimhen.
“Osimhen did not however make the trip as a result of abdominal discomfort.
“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 morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5pm,” Super Eagles posted on X.
The Nigerian team’s encounter with South Africa is expected to be a repeat of the 2000 semifinal that saw the Super Eagles overcome the 1996 champions 2-0 in Lagos.
The rivalry between the two sides will be renewed in Cote d’Ivoire as Nigeria chases their fourth title.
The two sides have met 14 times, with the Super Eagles enjoying a lion’s share of the results with 7 victories against 2 for South Africa, with the remaining 5 ending in stalemates.
Kick-off at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Wednesday is at 17:00.
