Nigeria have played their first batch of mind games ahead of their AFCON semi-final meeting with Bafana Bafana.
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OSIMHEN IS A ‘DOUBT’ FOR AFCON SEMI-FINAL
25-year-old Napoli striker Osimhen has started all five games for Nigeria at the tournament. He’s scored once and assisted two goals. The current African Footballer of the Year spoke of “abdominal discomfort” and initially didn’t travel with his team.
“Members of the team travelled from Abidjan to Bouaké today via a 10 pm Air Cote D’Ivoire flight,” read a statement.
“Osimhen did not however make the trip as a result of abdominal discomfort. Team medics confirmed that he has been placed under close watch with a member of the medical team staying behind in Abidjan with him.
“If cleared by tomorrow morning, he will join the rest of the squad before 5 pm.”
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LOOKMAN IS THE FORM MAN TO WORRY BAFANA
Nigeria got the better of Angola in a tight quarter-final clash. Ademola Lookman was the only goal-scorer on the evening, and Lookman also scored a brace against Cameroon in the round of 16. Meanwhile, the directness and pace of Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze will give Aubrey Modiba and Mothobi Mvala plenty to think about in Bafana’s left channel. These two men will be especially key if Osimhen isn’t fit enough to start.
Nigeria face South Africa in Bouaké on Wednesday 7 February at 19:00.
RUMOUR: Sundowns name huge price for Bafana star Mokoena
This sounds as though Napoli striker Victor Osimhen will be fine to play. The action taken against this alleged injury sounds precautionary and there might be a smidgen of mind games involved too. What do you think?
Meanwhile, hit up James Freemantle for more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game.
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