Victor Osimhen, the exceptional striker for the Super Eagles and the current African Player of the Year, has been cleared to play in Wednesday's first semi-final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) competition in Cote d'Ivoire against Bafana Bafana of South Africa.
Osimhen was absent from Nigeria's Super Eagles' Monday trip to Bouake, the location of the semi-final game, as the team disclosed that the Napoli player was experiencing stomach pain. This cast doubt on Osimhen's readiness for the crucial semi-final encounter with South Africa.
Just before they left on Monday night, the team released a statement mentioning that the forward was suffering from an abdominal disorder and would be staying in Abidjan until his condition improved.
However, the striker has joined his teammates in Bouake after he was cleared by medical doctors to face South Africa on Wednesday.
According to NAN, the lanky striker who has been essential to Nigeria's success in this tournament has scored only one goal.
However, Nigeria has advanced to the semi-finals for a record-tying 16 times in its 20 appearances, largely thanks to the Napoli star's unwavering performances.
The clash between Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana on Wednesday is a rematch of the 2000 semi-finals in Lagos, which Nigeria won 2-0.
South Africa's only victory victory occurred in 1996, while Nigeria's three wins were completed in 2013.
Congo will take on the host nation, Cote d'Ivoire, in the other semi-final.
