‘I will be available for AFCON’- Osimhen confirms he is ready to lead Nigeria’s attack

The 22-year-old is currently out of action, but he will be available for the biennial competition, which begins on January 9 

Napoli striker Victor Osimhen has put an end to all doubts over his presence at next year’s Africa Cup of Nations after confirming he would be available to lead Nigeria’s title charge in Cameroon.

Osimhen’s availability for the competition in Cameroon was a doubt after he suffered a facial injury in Napoli’s Serie A clash against Inter Milan last November.

The 22-year-old fractured his left cheekbone and orbit after clashing with Inter’s Milan Skriniar. As a result, Osimhen went through a complicated but successful injury.

Following the surgery, Napoli confirmed that their record signing would be out for three months, which effectively ruled him out of AFCON.

However, Osimhen made a quick return ahead of schedule, resuming individual training just two weeks after his surgery.

Still, his participation in the AFCON was in doubt, with reports suggesting that he would not be back playing until January 6.

But the ex-Lille man has now put an end to all the doubts, stating his availability for the biennial competition, which begins on January 9.

“I will be available for AFCON unless if am not among the players picked to represent NIGERIA,” Osimhen said on his Twitter page.

Osimhen’s availability is good news for Super Eagles interim boss Austin Eguavoen. Eguavoen replaced Gernot Rohr as the team’s coach this month and will need a fully-fit Osimhen if he is to lead Nigeria to a fourth AFCON title.

The Super Eagles begin their campaign with a clash against seven-time champions Egypt before taking on Sudan and Guinea-Bissau.