Super Eagles star forward Victor Osimhen has been given the green light by the team’s medical staff to join his comrades in Bouake, Cote d’Ivoire, as they gear up for the crucial semi-final showdown against South Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Osimhen’s absence from the Super Eagles’ journey to Bouake on Monday night, February 5, due to abdominal discomfort, raised concerns among fans and pundits alike. However, swift action by the team’s medical professionals ensured he was promptly placed under observation.
Reports from various sports journalists on X brought a wave of relief to fans as they announced Osimhen’s clearance to reunite with the squad. Pooja tweeted, “Victor Osimhen is enroute Bouake to meet up with the team after he was CLEARED by the Doctors,” while Sports Dokita added, “Victor Osimhen has been cleared by the Super Eagles medical team and is set to join the rest of the team at Bouake where they’re preparing for the Semi-finals against South Africa tomorrow.”
CONFIRMED!!!
Victor Osimhen is enroute Bouake to meet up with the team after he was CLEARED by the Doctors. ✌️#PoojaXAFCON2023
— POOJA!!! (@PoojaMedia) February 6, 2024
Victor Osimhen has been cleared by the Super Eagles medical team and is set to join the rest of the team at Bouake where they're preparing for the Semi-finals against South Africa tomorrow.#AfCON2023 pic.twitter.com/6VIRrAAbzv
— SportsDokita (Odogwu ☝️) (@Sports_Doctor2) February 6, 2024
To provide clarity on the situation, former Super Eagles press officer Colin Udoh emphasized that while Osimhen has been cleared for travel, his status for playing in the upcoming match hinges on further observation and approval by the team’s medical staff.
UPDATE: Victor Osimhen has been cleared to travel and will join the team in Bouake. But the clearance is only for travel.
Will still need to be observed and will only play if cleared by team medical staff#AfCON2023 #NGARSA
— Colin NOT Collins 🇳🇬🇺🇸 (@ColinUdoh) February 6, 2024
Celebrating Osimhen’s arrival in Bouake, former media officer Toyin Ibitoye tweeted, “Good news. Victor Osimhen is now with the @NGSuperEagles in Bouake,” signaling a boost to the team’s morale ahead of their crucial encounter.
Good news.
Victor Osimhen is now with the @NGSuperEagles in Bouake #SoarSuperEagles #LetsDoItAgain #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023
— Oluwatoyin Ibitoye (@Toyin_Ibitoye) February 6, 2024
With Nigeria set to face South Africa’s Bafana Bafana at 6pm on Wednesday, February 7, Osimhen’s return adds to the squad’s strength. Despite scoring only once in the tournament, Osimhen’s presence has been instrumental in the Super Eagles’ journey thus far, underscoring his importance to the team’s aspirations.
