VICTOR Osimhen is with the Super Eagles in spirit despite not being physically with the squad in Cameroon for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Napoli striker is the national team’s current first-choice centre forward, but a combination of injury, Covid-19 and Napoli’s reluctance to release him has led to the 23-year-old missing what would have been his second AFCON.
However, he is following the team’s progress and has sent a message of encouragement as they get set to face Egypt in their opening match in Garoua on Tuesday.
“Good Luck To The Super Eagles, As They Begin Their AFCON Campaign Tomorrow Against Egypt,” Osimhen wrote on Twitter on Monday.
“#TeamNigeria Let’s Go!!! @NGSuperEagles.”
Meanwhile, reports in Italy on Monday claimed Osimhen will undergo medical examination on Tuesday and could return to action with a protective mask next week.
The Nigeria striker suffered a cheekbone injury in November and was ruled out of action for 90 days after undergoing surgery.
He had planned to play in the AFCON with a protective mask after being named in the squad, but he tested positive for Covid-19 and was replaced with Henry Onyekuru.
Osimhen has returned to Italy after recovering from the virus and will have his injury assessed on Tuesday in a specialistic visit with Gianpaolo Tartaro, the same doctor who performed the surgery almost two months ago.
If he gets the all-clear, Osimhen could return to action in Napoli’s next Serie A game against Bologna next week, or against Salernitana on 23 January.
It is believed he will need to wear a protective mask to play competitive games over the next few weeks.
