Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has calmed frail nerves by assuring Super Eagles fans that he is fit enough to play at AFCON
By Kehinde Okeowo
Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen, has calmed frail nerves, as he declared himself fit and available to play for Nigeria at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Osimhen was believed to be out of the African soccer fiesta in Cameroon, after he suffered a facial injury during a Serie A match in November, against the defending champions, Inter Milan.
The striker, who was instrumental to Nigeria’s qualification for the World Cup playoff, fractured his left cheekbone and orbit after clashing with Milan Skriniar and needed surgery.
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Following the surgery, his club announced that he would be out for at least three months, effectively ruling him out of AFCON, which would be played a month after his surgery.
However, Osimhen has made a miraculous return ahead of schedule and has started individual training two weeks after going under the knife.
He has now taken to Twitter to declare himself fit and ready to play for Nigeria at the African Cup of Nations, adding that he would only miss the competition if he was not chosen by Eguavoen.
He tweeted: “I will be available for AFCON unless if am not among the players picked to represent NIGERIA.”
Meanwhile, Doctor Ruggiero, who headed the team that created Osimhen’s protective mask, has urged the Nigerian to let his wounds heal completely before taking to a football field. He however noted Osimhen’s desire to return to action at once.
Ruggiero speaking to Radio Marte in Napoli said: “What material was used? Kevlar and carbon.
“Osimhen is fine, highly motivated: if it depended on him, he would be on the pitch already today. Now Canon will decide when to make him join the team; then there are the times of calcification and healing.
“In my experience, when could he come back? It takes technical times to heal, usually 90 days. You need to have time for ossification. Let’s say we are half done now.”