According to Standard, Victor Osimhen's participation in Nigeria's Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against South Africa is uncertain due to abdominal discomfort, preventing the striker from traveling with the squad.
In a tournament marked by surprising exits of prominent teams, the Super Eagles are now considered favorites to clinch the trophy ahead of their semi-final clash on Wednesday.
While the rest of the Nigeria squad flew to Bouake on Monday, Osimhen remained in the capital, Abidjan, accompanied by a member of the medical staff. It remains to be seen whether he will be fit to join his teammates before the AFCON showdown with South Africa.
A statement from the Super Eagles on Monday indicated, "Osimhen did not, however, make the 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."
Osimhen, the Napoli striker, was stretchered off during the quarter-final win over Angola. The 25-year-old has featured in all five of Nigeria's matches in the tournament, though he hasn't scored since the opening match against Equatorial Guinea.
The Super Eagles, seeking their fourth AFCON title, last won in 2013. Since then, they haven't reached the final, facing challenges such as non-qualification and a last-16 defeat to Tunisia two years ago. A victory against South Africa on Wednesday would set up a final against either hosts Ivory Coast or DR Congo on Sunday.
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