AFCON 2023: Osimhen doubtful for South Africa clash

Super Eagles talisman Victor Osimhen could miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-final against South Africa after failing to travel with the rest of the team from Abidjan to Bouake.

Nigeria will lock horns with rivals South Africa in the first semi-final of the competition on Wednesday in Bouake for a place in Sunday’s final.

According to a statement released by the Super Eagles media team, Osimhen will be monitored in Abijdan while the rest of the team heads to Bouake, where they will take on South Africa.

“We will fly from Abidjan to Bouaké today via a 10 p.m. Air Cote d’Ivoire flight,” an official statement from the team on Monday night says.

“Victor Osimhen will not join us on this trip as a result of 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 5 p.m.”

The reigning African Player of the Year has started in all of the Super Eagles’ five matches in Cote d’Ivoire, scoring one goal and chalking up one assist.