I’m ready for AFCON 2021 -Osimhen

Napoli star, Victor Osimhen, has dismissed concerns over his fitness ahead of Nigeria’s participation at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, claiming he is now 100 per cent fit for the biennial showpiece.

The former Wolfsburg and Lille star in a social media post said he was ready to feature in the African football fiesta if selected by the Austin Eguavoen-led technical crew.

“I will be available for AFCON at 100 percent unless I am not among the players picked to represent Nigeria,” the 2015 FIFA U17 World Cup winner wrote on Twitter.

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Osimhen was injured during the Parthenopeans’ 3-2 Serie A defeat to Inter Milan on November 23 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, and had to undergo surgery which ruled him out of football for at least three months.

Nonetheless, Osimhen has since resumed training with a custom carbon mask to protect his face and he could be available for action when Napoli face Spezia at the Stadio Diego Armando Maradona today.

Osimhen’s return provides some respite for the interim manager of the Super Eagles, Eguavoen, moreso against the backdrop of the injury suffered by Genk star, Paul Onuachu, who faces three months sideline and remains doubtful for the AFCON 2021.

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Eguavoen said Osimhen possesses qualities that can overrun any defense any day.

“When I see Osimhen he reminds me of strikers who can keep you on your toes as a defender the entire ninety minutes.

“If you blink he will punish you so I think Osimhen is one player that really excites me when it comes to attacking,” Eguavoen told ATHLST.

Recall Osimhen netted nine goals in his last 10 matches for Nigeria in all competitions.

Three-time African champions, Nigeria are in group D alongside Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau with the first game scheduled to come up against the Pharaohs on January 11 in Garoua.