VICTOR Osimhen will join his Super Eagles colleagues in Abuja in early January in preparation for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The tournament begins in Cameroon on 9 January, with the Super Eagles playing their first game against Egypt two days later in Garoua.
Osimhen has not played for his Italian club since breaking his cheekbones in November and undergoing surgery, but he has recovered and declared himself available for the AFCON.
However, there were reports that Napoli could prevent the striker from playing in Africa’s most important football tournament.
Nigeria Football Federation spokesman Ademola Lookman dismissed those reports, insisting the 22-year-old will be in the preparatory camp in Abuja, from where the team will fly out to Cameroon on 5 January.
“We expect Victor to join up with the rest of the squad at least by 3 January,” Olajire told BBC Sport Africa.
“It is unnecessary to react to every report in the media about our players availability or potential non-availability for the tournament.
“But the NFF is confident that our players including Osimhen understand the country’s desire for a fourth continental title. It is important to have all our players show same commitment and ambitious traits as displayed by Osimhen.”
The Super Eagles rely heavily on Osimhen’s goals, and he has delivered consistently, scoring in each of the team’s last five fixtures.
The Nigerian side are gunning for the fourth AFCON title and their first since 2013.They face Egypt, Guinea Bissau and Sudan in their group.
