Victor Osimhen: Napoli Star Ruled Out of Nigeria’s Friendlies vs Ghana, Mali

Victor Osimhen: Napoli Star Ruled Out of Nigeria’s Friendlies vs Ghana, Mali

Chukwu Ikechukwu
updated at March 19, 2024 at 11:59 AM
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  • Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of Nigeria’s upcoming friendlies
  • The Napoli forward has an inflammation of the scar from an old injury
  • The Super Eagles will tackle Ghana and Mali for their March friendlies

The Super Eagles have been dealt a huge blow ahead of their upcoming friendly games versus Ghana and Mali as Napoli forward Victor Osimhen has pulled out of both encounters.

The 25-year-old was an unused substitute over the weekend as Napoli played out a 1-1 draw against Serie A leaders Inter Milan after fears that he might have sustained an injury.

Victor Osimhen, Napoli, Nigeria, Super Eagles, Ghana
Victor Osimhen was benched in Napoli's Serie A game against Inter Milan after an injury scare. Photo by DeFodi Images.
Source: Getty Images

According to Complete Sports, Napoli manager Francesco Calzona later disclosed that Osimhen had an inflammation of the scar to an old injury and could be out for a couple of weeks.

The Nigerian forward, who is yet to fully recover from the injury he picked up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, will commence his recovery at the Castel Volturno for at least two weeks to regain his full fitness.

The Super Eagles, who are currently without a coach, will play an international friendly against Ghana at the Grand du Stade Marrakech on Friday, March 22, before facing Mali four days later at the same site.

Osho and Ebuehi also out

Meanwhile, Luton Town defender Gabriel Osho and Empoli star Tyronne Ebuehi have also pulled out of the Super Eagles friendly games against Ghana and Mali following injury setbacks, Own Goal Nigeria reports.

Osho, who received his maiden call-up to the Nigeria team, backed out of the invitation after picking up an injury in a Premier League game and has been ruled out for at least two weeks.

Ebuehi on the other hand, suffered a major injury as Empoli confirmed the Nigerian defender has been ruled out for the rest of the season after he suffered a partial tear on the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee in a Serie A game on Friday.

Akpom disappointed after being snubbed

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Chuba Akpom will be in London during the international break, opting to take time with his family after being snubbed by the Super Eagles once again.

Akpom has lately committed his allegiance to Nigeria after representing England at various young levels, and he is keen to wear the African nation's green and white.

Despite his availability, the 26-year-old has not gotten a call-up since 2019.

Authors
Chukwu Ikechukwu photo
Chukwu Ikechukwu
Chukwu Ikechukwu Godwin is a journalist with over 9 years of experience in the Nigerian media industry. He has worked both in Radio (Today FM, Rhythm FM, Wish FM) and Television (Silverbird TV) as a Sports Analyst..