Victor Osimhen Narrates His Hospital Ordeal Two Days Before AFCON Win Against South Africa, Video

Victor Osimhen Narrates His Hospital Ordeal Two Days Before AFCON Win Against South Africa, Video

Ero Samson
updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM
In this article:
CAF Africa Cup of Nations logo
CAF AFCON
Africa
Nigeria logo
Nigeria
Nigeria
21
Super Eagles logo
Super Eagles
South Africa
South Africa logo
South Africa
South Africa
27
Victor Osimhen logo
V. Osimhen
Napoli logoFNigeria logo
Mothobi Mvala logo
M. Mvala
Mamelodi Sundowns logoMSouth Africa logo
  • The Super Eagles sealed a crucial Africa Cup of Nations win over South Africa
  • Striker, Victor Osimhen was instrumental in the victory for Jose Peseiro’s side
  • The talismanic forward has explained his hospitalisation days before the clash

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reached fever pitch with a pulsating semi-final clash between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and South Africa’s Bafana Bafana.

Anticipations were high for this enthralling fixture, and it certainly didn't disappoint.

From the first kick of the ball to the final whistle, the match was a spectacle of relentless action and goal-scoring opportunities in pursuit of the elusive final.

AFCON, CAF, Super Eagles, Victor Osimhen, South Africa
Nigeria striker, Victor Osimhen in action during the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa. Image: NurPhoto.
Source: Getty Images

Central to the drama was Nigeria's star striker, Victor Osimhen.

Despite being sidelined with abdominal discomfort just days before the game, he showcased his resilience, putting in a stellar performance that contributed significantly to the Super Eagles' victory.

Osimhen defied the odds, playing for 110 out of the 120 minutes of the intense match.

Following the triumph, the 25-year-old took to social media to share his battle with the stomach problem in the lead-up to the crucial clash, further emphasising his dedication to the team.

Osimhen on his stomach troubles at AFCON

The marquee forward took to social media following the conclusion of the game, as captured by Instablog9ja, to shed light on his battle with his health.

"Two days before the match, I woke up at [6am] with excruciating stomach pains. I was writhing in agony on the floor. Samuel [Chukwueze] was in the room next to mine.
"I crawled to his door, knocking for help. Unfortunately, he was fast asleep and didn't hear me. Eventually, I was rushed to the hospital," the Napoli forward explained.

Osimhen has also praised the swift response of the medical staff, whose intervention ensured his timely recovery for the clash against Bafana Bafana.

Osimhen once again proved his mettle during the game, earning a penalty for Nigeria's solitary goal after being fouled by South Africa defender, Mothobi Mvala.

Nigeria secured their spot in the final after a tense penalty shootout victory against Hugo Broos' team, setting up a meeting with the hosts, Ivory Coast.

Nigerian teacher gets guard of honour in South Africa

Sports Brief also previously reported on a Nigerian teacher receiving a guard of honour from his high school students, in celebration of the Super Eagles' triumph over South Africa.

Sporting his Nigeria kit and a pair of vibrant green shoes, the unnamed teacher strode through rows of applauding students, basking in the pride and joy of his nation's victory.

This clash between the two teams marked the fourth encounter between the nations in the AFCON tournament, with the Super Eagles consistently getting the better of Bafana.

Authors
Ero Samson photo
Ero Samson
Samson Ero is a sports journalist with a track record of over five years in the Nigerian media industry. He graduated from Nigerian Institute of Journalism (2021-2023).