News

Peseiro explains Osimhen’s early substitution: Another setback for Super Eagles?

Several Super Eagles of Nigeria players, including Taiwo Awoniyi, Ola Aina, and Jamiu Collins, have been replaced in the squad due to injury concerns

Head coach of the Super Eagles, Jose Peseiro, has provided detailed insights into why he replaced Napoli forward, Victor Osimhen, with Terem Moffi, in the 55th minute of the game, Soccernet.ng reports.

Osimhen, the 24-year-old Nigerian forward, had 58 minutes to play when he was substituted due to an injury. Peseiro mentioned that the decision was made to avoid risking any of his players, as they send reports to each player’s clubs at the end of the match.

This substitution could be another setback for Peseiro’s team, following Taiwo Awoniyi’s injury, which could potentially sideline their talisman for the upcoming match against Mozambique on Monday.

Peseiro informed the media after the game that Osimhen would undergo an MRI scan to assess the extent of his injury, which would ultimately determine his participation against Mozambique.

“Victor has gone to the room now, for an MRI [scan] to check the situation. We have good coordination and communication with the clubs. I don’t know if you know, but we send reports to the clubs at the end of each match. We have connections with the physiotherapists and the coach, all of them.” he said.

Peseiro emphasized that Osimhen is a crucial player, both for the national team and his club Napoli. It is their responsibility to ensure his well-being.

“Our responsibility is to control the health of our players. He is a fantastic player. Napoli needs him, and we need him also. It is our responsibility to do everything, to speak with the doctor for Osimhen, [and] call the clinicals to check if he can play or not. But in three days, we would put Osimhen on time watch.” he continued.

Regarding Osimhen’s availability for the match against Mozambique, Peseiro mentioned that a test would be conducted, and if there’s no improvement, the club will make the necessary decisions.

He added:”At this moment, it is my opinion, will I go and put in a player with an injury? A month’s injury, or even two? It is better to put it in his mind now. He is going to do the test, check, and if it doesn’t improve, you must expect the club [to make the final decisions], the club pays the salary for him. Not only for Osimhen but for our players.”

Watch the video here:

In their recent match, the Super Eagles of Nigeria drew 2-2 against Saudi Arabia’s national team. The team was hoping to build on their previous success against São Tomé and Príncipe, but Osimhen’s injury may affect their match preparations for the 2023 AFCON tournament.

Ayomide Oguntimehin

Ayomide Oguntimehin is a CAF-accredited sports journalist and an Editor at Soccernet.ng, with a proven track record in conducting interviews with Super Eagles stars such as William Troost-Ekong, Taiwo Awoniyi, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ademola Lookman, and many others. He has also made a significant impact in breaking transfer news stories. Grounded in video editing, video journalism, social media management, and content strategy, Ayomide brings a wealth of expertise to his work. With a Bachelor's degree in English Language from Adeyemi College of Education and a Master's Degree in School Library and Media Technology from the University of Ibadan, Ayomide is well-prepared to excel in the field.

Share
Published by
Ayomide Oguntimehin

Recent Posts

Iheanacho flops, Osimhen shines: Player Ratings from Nigeria’s 1-1 draw against Benin Republic

Mohamed Tijjani opened the scoring for the Republic in the 16th minute, profiting from a… Read More

59 minutes ago

Is this the end of Iheanacho’s Super Eagles’ career? – Five takeaways from Nigeria’s draw with Benin

Nigeria's Super Eagles have once again delivered a heart-stopping finish, this time in a 1-1… Read More

1 hour ago

Benin 1-1 Nigeria: Osimhen hits new high as underwhelming Super Eagles finally seal Morocco 2025 ticket

Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen scored for Nigeria to help them force Benin to a 1-1… Read More

2 hours ago

Live commentary: Benin Republic vs Nigeria – AFCON 2025 qualifiers

Welcome to our live commentary of the highly anticipated Match Day five of the Africa… Read More

5 hours ago

Report: Lens not considering transfer for two-goal Nigerian striker

French Ligue 1 club Lens are not considering a transfer for one-time Super Eagles invitee… Read More

5 hours ago

Nigeria: Super Eagles qualify for AFCON 2025 before kicking a ball against Benin Republic

Nigeria have qualified for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco with two… Read More

5 hours ago