Nigeria Top Striker To Miss AFCON

Nigeria will do without top striker Victor Osimhen at the 2021 African Nations Cup (AFCON) finals, after he was ruled out of the tournament by a facial injury.

The 22-year-old, who was joint top scorer of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with five goals, has undergone surgery on the injury and will not be able to compete in Cameroon.

It comes as a blow to Nigeria, who have been not in their best in recent matches, as they set to fight for their fourth African title.

Osimhen had a surgery on his cheekbone and eye socket on Tuesday after sustaining fractures in the 3-2 defeat by Inter Milan on Sunday.

“Titanium plates and screws were used in the operation,” read a statement on Napoli website. “The player is doing well and will remain under observation for the next few days.”

[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“Osimhen is expected to return to action in three months.”[/perfectpullquote]

Simply, he is not expected to return to training before February, meaning he cannot compete at the African Nations Cup.

Osimhen has 10 goals from 19 appearances for the Super Eagles and has been prominent in their World Cup qualifying campaign for Qatar 2022.

Nigeria play in the opening game of the tournament against Egypt on January 11 at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua.