AFCON 2023: NFF Issues Statement With Victor Osimhen Doubtful for Nigeria vs South Africa Showdown

• Victor Osimhen will not join his Super Eagles teammates when they travel to Bouake
• Nigeria will take on Bafana Bafana in the semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• The NFF has released a statement about Victor Osimhen's status ahead of this match

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed that Victor Osimhen will not travel with the squad to Bouake, ahead of the AFCON 2023 semi-final clash against South Africa on February 7.

Despite scoring just one goal at the tournament so far, the reigning African Player of the Year remains a key member of the Super Eagles squad - and a threat up front for the opposition.

Nigeria will battle South Africa's Bafana Bafana for a place in the final of this year's tournament in Ivory Coast, but there are concerns over Victor Osimhen's fitness status.

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The Super Eagles played all their group-stage games in Abidjan, as well as the Round of 16 and quarter-final matches.

However, they are billed to take on South Africa in Bouake, which is about 350 kilometres away from the Ivorian capital city, Soccernet reports.

Hours before their departure, the NFF confirmed that Osimhen would not join his teammates for the trip. The statement reads:

"We will fly from Abidjan to Bouake today via a 10 pm Air Cote D'Ivoire flight. 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 pm."

Nigeria fans will be sweating over Osimhen's status, while South Africa fans might see a glimmer of hope at reaching the AFCON final this time around.

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Nwabali ready for Bafana Bafana

Sports Brief previously reported that ahead of their AFCON semi-final clash with South Africa, Nigerian goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali is making strong statements.

The Super Eagles will battle Bafana Bafana for a place in the final of this year's edition of the continental showpiece, with the two nations to face off on February 7.