Super Eagles coach refuses to rule out Nigeria’s most valuable player for Algeria friendly

The exciting forward is battling with an injury sustained during Napoli’s continental commitment last week

Super Eagles’ first assistant coach Finidi George is hopeful that Victor Osimhen can feature for Nigeria when they trade tackles with Algeria in this month’s international friendly.

The two former African champions will lock horns at the Stade Olympique d’Oran in Bir El Djir on September 27.

Head coach Jose Peseiro will target bringing in the best Nigerian legs available to shoot down the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner.

Already, the Portuguese manager will be without the injured Super Eagles stars Jamilu Collins, Umar Sadiq, Akinkumi Amoo, and Semi Ajayi. The quartet faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering various serious injuries.

Nigeria’s most valuable player Victor Osimhen could also miss the international friendly after sustaining a knock last week.

The 23-year-old came off in the first half of Napoli’s 4-1 trashing of Liverpool in a matchday one fixture of the UEFA Champions League.

Osimhen initially allayed fears of a serious problem, insisting he would be back in a short while. But Napoli later released a statement revealing that the former Lille lad would not be in action until next month.

The conflicting reports have left the Super Eagles handlers undecided about extending an invitation to Osimhen.

Coach Finidi, however, remains optimistic that the forward can be available against Algeria while extending his well-wishes to the injured Sadiq.

“They said Osimhen’s injury is not that serious, but maybe he won’t be able to make the friendly game against Algeria,” Finidi told the Punch.

“We’ll see if the injured players can make it or not, especially Osimhen.

“For Sadiq, I think that is a critical one; those injuries take a longer time. I really feel for him, it’s very unfortunate, but he will be back; he’s in Europe, and a lot of players have come out of it.”

The last time Osimhen had on a Super Eagles jersey, he scored four times as Nigeria pummelled Sao Tome and Principe 10-0 in an Afcon qualifier.