Nigerian Star Victor Osimhen’s Participation in CAN 2023 Semifinal Against South Africa in Doubt Due to Injury
In a disappointing turn of events, Nigerian football sensation Victor Osimhen was unable to travel with the rest of the squad on Monday for the highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) semifinal match against South Africa. The Super Eagles reported that Osimhen missed the team’s flight from Abidjan to Bouaké for Wednesday’s game due to abdominal discomfort.
The team’s medical staff confirmed that Osimhen is under close observation, and a member of the medical team has remained in Abidjan to monitor his condition. The hope is that he will recover in time to join the rest of the team before 5 p.m. on the following day, allowing him to participate in the crucial match.
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Despite scoring just one goal in the tournament so far, Osimhen’s performances have been instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to the semifinals, marking their record 16th appearance in this stage out of 20 editions of the tournament. Only Egypt, with seven titles to their name, has reached the semifinals as frequently, although they have participated in 26 tournaments. The upcoming match against South Africa will be a rematch of the 2000 semifinal, where Nigeria emerged victorious with a 2-0 win in Lagos.
Nigeria, who last clinched the CAN title in 2013, will be looking to add another trophy to their collection, while South Africa’s sole victory came in 1996. In the other semifinal, host country Ivory Coast will face off against the Democratic Republic of Congo in what promises to be an exciting clash.
As fans eagerly await further updates on Osimhen’s condition, the Nigerian team remains hopeful that their star player will recover in time to make a significant impact in the semifinal showdown against South Africa.
