Osimhen’s return excites Eagles’ camp

Victor Osimhen’s return to action has calmed the nerves of Super Eagles’ officials, who were beginning to look for an alternative formation in the game against South Africa.

It was earlier said that the Napoli star would not be fit enough for the forthcoming round of 2026 World Cup African qualifying series.

Osimhen, who had missed two previous Napoli games prior to last weekend’s return to action against Leece, is among the strikers listed by Coach Finidi George for the games against South Africa and Benin Republic next month.

He came in as a second-half substitute in Napoli’s final game of the season and did not show any sign of the muscle trouble that had sidelined him for three weeks.

Before that game, Osimhen did not train with the rest of the Napoli squad as he was given specialised personal session by the club’s medics.

A source at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), yesterday, described Osimhen’s return as a big boost to Nigeria’squest to return to the World Cup after missing the 2022 edition in Qatar.

The source, who pleaded anonymity, told The Guardian that the Super Eagles’ coaches are aware of the latest development and have planned special training for Osimhen and four other players, who they believe could have fitness issues.

He said: “The team’s fitness trainer, Chima Onyeike, will work with some of the players specially to bring them to the top fitness level.

“The coaches invited more midfielders and attackers than defenders because they were prepared for any eventuality. But we are happy that reports from Italy are positive.”

Osimhen, who has been named in the Italian Serie A team of the season, is expected to lead the Super Eagles’ three-man attack, which also comprises Victor Boniface and Ademola Lookman in the matches against South Africa and Benin Republic.

Nigeria will host South Africa in Uyo on June 7 and travel to Cote d’Ivoire to meet Benin Republic on June 10.