Victor Osimhen Ruled Out, Three Other Super Eagles Stars In Doubt For Sierra Leone Rematch

The Napoli striker picked up an injury in Nigeria’s 4-4 draw with Sierra Leone on Friday, November 13 in a 2021 AFCON qualifier, and he is set to miss the return leg in Freetown on Tuesday, November 17

Initial tests carried out on Super Eagles number nine Victor Osimhen has revealed that the youngster has not suffered a fracture, as reported by Sky Sport’s Francesco Modugno as per Gianluca Di Marzio.

Osimhen scored Nigeria’s second goal of the afternoon against Sierra Leone after 21 minutes and played his part as Gernot Rohr’s men smashed four goals past the visitors in 30 first-half minutes.

But the 21-year-old landed awkwardly from a challenge deep into the second half and was replaced by Genk’s Paul Onuachu with the scores still at 4-2 to the hosts.

Osimhen immediately suffered from back troubles and possible dislocation of his left shoulder, and there were initial fears that he could have broken a bone.

Tests have, however, shown that the former Lille star has not suffered any significant damage requiring surgery.

Coach Rohr has confirmed that Osimhen will not be among the players that will take to the pitch when the Super Eagles face the Leone Stars in Freetown on Tuesday.

“[Osimhen] is out of the match after he dislocated his shoulder,” Rohr disclosed, as reported in the Guardian.

Osimhen is not the only injury concern for the German tactician ahead of the match day four encounter in Freetown.

Balogun and Chukwueze were substituted in the game due to varying injuries, while Club Brugge forward Emmanuel Dennis did not feature in the 4-4 draw because of a swollen ankle.

After Saturday’s training session in Benin, Rohr gave an update on the team before they departed for Freetown.

“The two players I took out (Leon Balogun and Samuel Chukwueze) were injured,” Rohr said, as per the Punch.

“Balogun had a little knock, but he is okay. He did a little training with the team, it’s not painless, but he will be okay.

“Dennis had a little injury in the last training session, his ankle is swollen, and he cannot play, he can only run, and Chukwueze has a pain in the groin and could only work in practice today, but we hope to get him back for the next game.”

After three rounds in Group L of 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying, the Super Eagles lead the way with seven points.

The Benin Republic defeated Lesotho 1-0 on Saturday, meaning the Super Eagles would qualify with a win against Sierra Leone on Tuesday if Lesotho drop points at home to Benin on Matchday four.