AFCON 2023: Nigeria's Victor Osimhen Cleared to Play in the Semi Final Against South Africa

• Victor Osimhen was a serious doubt for the AFCON 2023 semi-final
• He did not travel with the Nigeria team due to abdominal discomfort
• The Super Eagles have now provided an update on the striker's status

Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen has been declared fit to play in the AFCON semi-final against South Africa tonight (February 7).

The Napoli man was a serious doubt due to abdominal discomfort, which prevented him from travelling with the squad to Bouake.

Nigeria are looking to reach their first AFCON final since 2013 and will need their striker fit if they do advance to the last round.

Sports Brief has confirmed that Osimhen will be available for selection against Bafana Bafana. The 25-year-old trained with the team on Tuesday after travelling to Bouake.

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The superstar striker was taken off in stoppage time in the quarter-final against Angola, but Super Eagles fans will be happy with the news on his current status.

Osimhen has played all five games for Jose Peseiro's side and contributed to all their goals. Nigeria are banking on him to lead them to their fourth AFCON title and first since 2013.

Osimhen has scored once so far at the AFCON but has played a major role for the Super Eagles.

Meanwhile, looking at the history of the two nations, Nigeria eliminated South Africa from the 2000 and 2019 AFCON, per Opta Analyst.

Nigeria vs South Africa preview

Sports Brief also previously previewed the Nigeria vs Bafana semi-final clash set for Wednesday, February 7, with the Super Eagles unbeaten in the tournament so far.

The West African powerhouses registered two wins and a draw in the group stage before beating arch-rivals, Cameroon, and then Angola in the knockout stage.

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Meanwhile, South Africa recorded a win, a draw, and a loss in the group stages before upsetting Morocco in the Round of 16 and beating Cape Verde in the quarter-final.

Nigerian fans hail Osimhen

Sports Brief also previously reported on Nigerian fans praising Osimhen on social media after his exceptional display against Cameroon.

The forward, who played a key role in setting up the opening goal of the night, proved to be a constant menace for the Indomitable Lions.

The Napoli superstar was brilliant against Angola in the quarter-final, and he is expected to be fit for the semi-final versus South Africa.