By Frank Ulom
Super Eagles forward, Victor Osimhen has failed to travel with the team as Nigeria take on South Africa in the semifinal of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON on Wednesday.
The team made the journey from Abidjan to Bouaké on Monday by 10pm but the forward failed to join them due to medical reasons.
According to a statement by the officials on Monday on X (formerly Twitter), Osimhen may join the team on Tuesday by 5pm if cleared by the medical team.
The statement said the goal poacher has been placed under closed medical watch.
“Members of the team travelled from Abidjan to Bouaké today via a 10pm Air Cote D’Ivoire flight. Osimhen did not however make the trip as a result of an 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,” the statement read.
CONVERSEER reports that Osimhen limped off after being substituted at extra-time in the last quarterfinal match when Nigeria beat Angola 1-0.
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The Super Eagles of Nigeria will play the Bafana Bafana of South Africa in the semifinal on 7 February 2024 at 6pm (WAT).
Meanwhile, host, Ivory Coast will play DR Congo in the other semifinal match at 9pm (WAT) on the same day.