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Super Eagles interim coach, Austine Eguavoen has disclosed the main reason why Victor Osimhen decided to withdraw himself from the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.
Recall that the Nigerian international had sustained a nasty facial injury in late November, after colliding with Milan Skriniar in their 3-2 defeat to Inter Milan.
However, he declared himself fit despite being ruled out for three months by Napoli doctor after successfully undergoing a surgery.
In a chat with the Super Eagles media Officer, Eguavoen stated that Osimhen’s health was behind his withdrawal from the squad.
“Osimhen, it’s a pity that he will not be at the AFCON. He told me practically and pleaded with me, and I saw reasons.
“I tried for hours to convince him, but his health comes first, which is my concern.”
“When he spoke with me, he was disappointed, and he told me he was not OK. And did not want to go to the AFCON not fully 100 per cent fit.”
“I gave him a few hours and called him back to see whether he will change his mind, and he told me he will be going for evaluation on his face on January 4 and 5 before doctors can make a final decision.”
“With that injury, you have to consider his health. It’s a tough one.”
6 Comments
Thumps up Victor…you are a living legend.I can understand how you feel not going to Afcon.i pray and hope we qualify for world cup so that the world can see the best of osiemen…we move with super eagle
Even Eguavoen said Osihmen’s health comes first yet some selfish I-too-sabi myopic fans and quack surgical doctors want him to play in the Afcon at the detriment of his long term wellbeing. Una narrow minded don blind una Wella.
Even with coronavirus, some ‘well meaning people’ who are too quick to see the evil in others (lolzzzz) still want Osihmen to go to Afcon. Shame on you. Go and bury your head in sand.
Get well soon Osihmen. One day you will power Nigeria to another Afcon glory, another Olympics gold in football and bronze at the senior world cup. We will be alive to witness it, you will be sufficiently recovered and on fire to achieve them and more individual accolades. Some people just cannot see beyond their nose. Heaven bless…. Forget that shit. Just stay safe and get yourself back into shape Osihmen. We need you for the long term.
Thanks for the update our coach. Osimhen, this is sending healthy vibes your way for a speedy recovery!
I wish you a speedy recovery and injury free the rest of the season.You will be greatly missed at AFCON.
Osimhen will be sorely missed at the Afcon.
However, putting his life and health first was always going to be the right call.
There will be many opportunities in the future to don the SE jersey and pursue accolades.
My candid advise for Osimhen now is to tone down his aggressive, all-action style.
Indeed, that is what makes him so exciting to watch, and so troublesome for his opponents. However, his gung-ho style also makes him vulnerable to serious injuries. Recall the shoulder injury in the Sierra Leone game, followed quickly by the facial bone injury sustained playing for Napoli.
My point is – IT’S NOT EVERY BALL OSIMHEN SHOULD GO FOR. CHOOSE YOUR BATTLES WISELY. BETTER TO REMAIN FIT AND IN GOOD HEALTH, THAN RISK IT ALL WHILE TRYING TO WIN LOW-PERCENTAGE BALLS.
By managing his resources more efficiently, Osimhen will have less injuries, and more playing time.
Osimhen had tweeted that he was 100% fit and ready to represent Nigeria at AFCON, unless he wasn’t selected. He got selected and I wonder what happened from that point. Africans playing in Europe are still getting the “slave” treatment.