December 31, (THEWILL) – Victor Osimhen, Nigeria’s centre forward and Napoli attacker, has tested positive for COVID-19 once more. The club made the announcement on Thursday, as preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cameroon next month ramp up.
A tweet from the club on Thursday read: “Napoli has announced that Victor Osimhen has tested positive for COVID-19 but is asymptomatic. Dr Tartaro was due to perform a check-up on the player tomorrow.
“Consequently, the local authorities have ordered that Osimhen self-isolate and the check-up will be rescheduled after he has tested negative and his period of isolation ends.”
As THEWILL reported, Osimhen, who is recovering from a serious facial injury, was included in Nigeria’s 28-man AFCON roster. The 22-year-old was initially ruled out for three months after being injured in a head clash during Napoli’s defeat against Inter Milan in November.
The former Lille striker required surgery after suffering multiple facial fractures in the incident that necessitated the insertion of six plaques and up to 18 screws.
But, Osinhem declared himself ready to represent Nigeria and posted on Twitter that he will be available for the competition. But, because he was due for another medical check-up in Italy, he was preparing to travel and took the mandatory COVID test.
According to Napoli, the swab test Osimhen had before boarding in Nigeria came back positive and the player did not leave his homeland.
This latest drawback may likely put paid to Osimhen’s initial participation in the African tournament. His invaluable contribution has been instrumental to getting the Eagles to Cameroon and it will be a headache for Austin Eguavoen to fill the vacuum Osinhem’s absence will create in attack.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
