Nigerian star striker Victor Osimhen has been declared fit and available to play in the Super Eagles’ Africa Cup of Nations semifinal clash against South Africa on Wednesday, marking a huge boost for three times AFCON champions.
Osimhen had initially missed Nigeria’s flight to Bouaké on Monday due to an abdominal injury that put his participation in the semifinal in doubt.
However, the 24-year-old forward eventually passed the late test to join up with the squad in Bouaké and took part in training on Tuesday.
The Super Eagles later confirmed on X that their talismanic striker has shaken off the injury scare and is ready for the showdown against Bafana Bafana.
Osimhen has been in scintillating form in the tournament so far, being so instrumental in all the matches played so far with a goal. His availability will come as a major boost for Nigeria as they aim to book a place in the final.
The Super Eagles are seeking their 4th AFCON title and first since 2013. The semifinal is a repeat of the 2000 edition where Nigeria knocked out South Africa 2-0 in the semifinals, thanks to goals from Tijani Babangida.
Nigeria will be hoping history repeats itself and Osimhen can fire them to another win against their regional rivals. The winner of the semifinal will face either Egypt or hosts Ivory Coast in the final on Sunday.