Relief As Super Eagles’ Osimhen Cleared Ahead Of Semis

Voice Air Media, News Update

Nigerian soccer fans have heaved sigh of relief following the clearance of Super Eagles striker, Victor Osimhen by medical doctors to play against South Africa in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, semi-final.

According to Daily Post Sources in Abidjan confirmed that Osimhen is expected to be fit for Wednesday’s game.

The Napoli hitman has now travelled to Bouake, where he will join up with the rest of the squad.

Doubts over his involvement arose on Monday after the team sent out a statement revealing that Osimhen was dealing with abdominal discomfort.

Osimhen, who has scored only once at the tournament, was left behind as the rest of the players travelled for the match.

News of his wellbeing will come as a big boost for Jose Peseiro.

Meanwhile South Africa are quietly confident they have Nigeria’s strikers well scouted ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations semifinal on Wednesday, with video analyst Sinesipho Mali being hailed as the team’s “secret weapon.”

Bafana Bafana had Mali to thank after advancing past Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties in Saturday’s quarterfinal in Yamoussoukro, as goalkeeper Ronwen Williams pulled off four shootout saves after a 0-0 draw to set up the meeting with Nigeria.

Now, Mali and head coach Hugo Broos are confident the analyst’s work behind the scenes will help them get the better of the three-time champions.

“Nigeria are a team who become better and better every game, and again [vs. Angola] they are a good team with a great striker [Osimhen],” Broos told ESPN.

“We’re going to have to analyse a little bit more now. We have the [time before the match], so we’ll start and see how we can exploit the weaknesses in the team, but also be aware of their qualities.

“We prepare everything so well, and [Mali] does fantastic work.”