2021AFCON: Napoli finally rule out Osimhen

The chances of the Super Eagles  at the  forthcoming delayed 2021  Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon  early next year  is precariously hanging in the balance  following confirmation  by  Napoli  that their injured  talismanic  Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen  will be out of action for 90 days.

The 22-year-pld forward  sustained fractures to his cheekbone and eye socket during Sunday’s 3-2 defeat by Inter Milan after clashing heads with defender Milan Skriniar.

The Italian side said yesterday  that the centre forward had  undergone surgery on the injury, and will be out for three months as a result.

“On Tuesday morning, Victor Osimhen was operated on his cheekbone and eye socket by Gianpaolo Tartaro, who was assisted by Dr Mario Santagata with Dr Raffaele Canonico also present,” the club announced. “Titanium plates and screws were used in the operation. The player is doing well and will remain under observation for the next few days.

“Osimhen is expected to return to action in three months.”

Osimhen has scored nine goals in 14 appearances for Napoli this season, and his injury serves as a devastating blow for the Serie A leaders, who top the table by goal difference after 13 games.

The long recuperating  period  comes as a huge blow for Napoli coach Luciano Spalletti who hoped Osimhen would remain out of action for just three or four games.

The Tuscan tactician had hoped  Osimhen could return to action on December 19 in Napoli’s away Serie A clash against Milan.

Clearly, this won’t be the case anymore and Osimhen will also miss the Africa Cup of Nations that begins on January 9, 2022.

Incidentally, Osimhen  who  was the joint top scorer in qualifying for the delayed AFCON tournament with five goals, was  expectedly left  out of Napoli  trip  to  Russia  for their Europa League  match against Spartak Moscow.