Nigerian Officials Declare Osimhen Fit for AFCON Semifinal

Nigeria's Victor Osimhen trains with the rest of the squad at Stade Annex, Bouake, Ivory Coast, February 6, 2024.

BOUAKE, IVORY COAST — Nigerian forward and 2023 CAF Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen is available to play in Wednesday's Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against South Africa following a fitness scare, the team confirmed.

"Victor Osimhen has been declared fit and available for selection in the semi-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday,” a team spokesperson said on Tuesday.

“He has joined the team in Bouake and has trained with the squad today," the spokesperson added.

Osimhen’s fitness was initially in doubt after he did not fly with the rest of the squad to Bouake from Abidjan on Monday due to abdominal discomfort.

The Napoli forward also missed training on Monday, having been substituted late in Nigeria’s quarterfinal win over Angola at the weekend.

Coach Jose Peseiro had been evasive as to Osimhen's chances of facing South Africa when asked at a press conference earlier on Tuesday.

"I cannot answer right now because it's a health problem. This afternoon I will know better if he can play or not," he said.

The 25-year-old has been outstanding for the Super Eagles at the tournament despite only scoring one goal, in their opening 1-1 draw with Equatorial-Guinea.