Super Eagles’ Friendlies: Why Napoli Ruled Out Osimhen

Serie A champions, Napoli have confirmed that Super Eagles star, Victor Osimhen, will not be going on international duty with Nigeria for the upcoming friendlies against Ghana and Mali due to injury.

The striker was on the bench throughout Napoli’s 1-1 draw with Inter at San Siro on Sunday and barely trained in the days before the match.

Manager Francesco Calzona confirmed it was due to an inflammation of the scar from an old injury and it seems as if he has still not fully recovered, because Osimhen is not on the list of players Napoli released on international duty.

He is not the only Napoli player out as Hamed Junior Traore will not join the Ivory Coast squad and Jesper Lindstrom is not teaming up with Denmark.

For the Super Eagles, Taiwo Awoniyi, Tyronne Ebuehi and Gabriel Osho have also been ruled out of the friendlies due to injuries.

The national team also confirmed that 22 call-ups have already reported to training camp in Marrakesh, Morocco for both games, including Cyriel Dessers, Nathan Tella, Jamilu Collins and Sadiq Umar, who have all been recalled after missing out on the recent AFCON.

Fenerbahce defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel is the only player due in Morocco on Wednesday.

Finidi George will lead the Super Eagles in an interim capacity against Ghana and Mali.

The Super Eagles will take on Ghana at the Grand de Stade Marrakech on Friday, March 22. The three-time African champions will face Mali four days later at the same venue.

Credit: punchng.com